CEBU CHARMS When I see any of my grandchildren, I am amazed at how they can light up my life every single time. They are my link with the past, my joy in the present and my hope and dreams for the future. I am one lucky blessed lola. The joys of grandpar
Her presence in our lives constantly reminds us what it means to be a child once again
This time last year, we were on an extended family trip to the idyllic hamlet of Russell, New York, to discover and explore more of what the North Country had to offer.
We set forth to the neighboring region of the Thousand Islands ---- of the salad dressing fame ---- to sail on the Saint Lawrence River by the US-Canadian border. Our embarkation point was Alexandria Bay, a seaside village dotted with dime-a-dozen souvenir shops.
One establishment that caught our eyes was an arts and crafts store called Linda’s Patchwork, for it carried touch-you-in-the-heart mementos not found anywhere else.
We meandered inside, as it revealed several wooden boards from floor to ceiling, all with memorable quotes. There were inspirational sayings such as: “The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do” and “Home... a story of who we are, a collection of all the things we love.”
Given a rightful spotlight was the often-overlooked category of grandmothers
---- perhaps Linda, the artist-proprietress, was one herself. A heartfelt saying blared, “Grandmas never run out of kisses or cookies.”
A rather longish statement said, “At grandma’s, we hug often, giggle, enjoy family time, play games, share, bake goodies, smile, talk about old times, stay up late, laugh, make memories, play with our cousins, are happy being together.” Patriarchs have not been forgotten. One statement declared, “Grandfathers are those who have silver in their hair and gold in their hearts.”
After celebrating Grandparent’s Day last weekend, we cajoled our Cebuano friends, abuelitos and abuelitas all ---- on what they had to say of their grandkids. Let’s hear it from them.
1. Marian Aboitiz 2. Marcy and Marivic Borromeo
The close relationship we have with our grandchildren allows us the opportunity to influence their lives in a positive and long-lasting way. As the saying goes, “Grandparents are like a piece of string, handy to have around and easily wrapped around the fingers of their grandchildren.”
3. Bingen and Annette Mendezona
We are blessed with two adorable grandkids, namely, three-year-old Pius and Audrey Pia, soon to be two years old. Although they reside thousands of miles away across the seas, we make certain a day does not go by without video chatting with them. Our grandkids make our worries disappear and stress go away.
4. Maxi and Ana Fe Lujan
We have closely watched Ana, our only grandchild, grow from a babe to a blooming young adult that she is today. Her presence in our lives constantly reminds us what it means to be a child once again -- to be carefree and yet curious, to explore without hesitation. Spending precious moments with her offers a gratifying reminder that life is truly beautiful.
5. Chichi and Marget Villarica
Our grandkids and I have a running joke. They say, “Mamita, I love you and your iPad, but I love you more!” And I just smile. I love spending hours with them, but when I run out of energy, I have no choice but to surrender them back to their parents. They are truly a blessing.
6. Aida Uy
My close relationship with my grandchildren is based on genuine love, total appreciation, unbelievable fun and pleasant surprises ---- all pure joy to me. Being their grandmother is one of the most special gifts of my life. Whenever I look into their faces, I am happily transported back to when my own children were young. It is a constant trip down the memory lane.