Today, a recognition of National Grandparents Day which will be observed officially on Sunday. Good reason too, because we need to reinforce the very important role that grandparents play within our culture.
It’s a time to celebrate their guidance, love and wisdom for the role they share with their families while connecting generations. We should recognize and appreciate their stories, values and life lessons that they hand down to their respective families. In turn, today and every day, we should honor their roles as caregivers, mentors, and even community anchors.
National Grandparents Day came into history on August 3, 1978 when President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation that it shall be held the first Sunday after Labor Day — and that will be September 13 this year.
The presidential proclamation said:
“to honor grandparents, to give them an opportunity to show love for their children’s children and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”
In fact, Washington even deemed that National Grandparents Day’s official flower which blooms in the spring to be the – “forget- me – not.”
However, seasonal flowers are given in appreciation as a token of love to grandparents. It’s a good bet that many of you who read my Northern Kentucky Tribune’s weekly column are in fact, Grandparents.
Well, so am I.
Turning back the hands of time to when we all were married, it’s likely that we never gave “being a grandparent” a blink of the eye. That occurrence was too far into the future for us to even think about it.
As our families began to grow with the birth of our children, those years seemingly passed by too quickly.
If you took a million photos, those are treasures today. Before you know it, the kids are in their mid-teens, wanting to drive, having dates and even going to the proms.
My wife Jo and I were blessed with three sons. We experienced it all including our attendance at their graduations and, of course, their marriages. Today, we are so very proud as all three have been highly successful within their careers and their families. You’re right! Grandchildren were on their way.
Today, we are the proud grandparents of four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
If your grandchildren live nearby locally where you can be there for them and watch their way through life – you are blessed. Then, there are those amongst us who are not so fortunate as the grandkids and great grandkids live far away.
During those early years, Jo and I certainly made our trips to be with them as much as possible. That too, was a blessing.
Becoming a first – time grandparent is a major life transition. You will find joy, emotion, and of course, new responsibilities. Ahead lies unforgettable moments you may have dreamed about. Take it from me – have that camera ready for those baby giggles, warm hugs and the thrill of giving your love and time to your grandchild. Of course, you will experience diaper duty, babysitting responsibilities and you’ll get used to the old rocking chair which is the vehicle that will lead your grandchild into nap time.
As time moves on, your thoughts will naturally center on spending quality time together and when you do, you’ll likely begin reading to them, playing games, or maybe take them to a playground when possible.
Keep in mind that as grandparents you hold a very special place in the family structure. Your years have provided you with the magic of wisdom, experience and unconditional love.
Many young parents today, due to the strain of balancing the budget, find themselves both working and this is when grandparents evolve and become more important than ever.
Jo and I will never forget the birth of our grandchildren. Each birth has its own milestone of memories and love. However, each of our grandchildren lived many miles from our home and as such, visitations were few and far between. Of course, we were blessed with phone calls and photos from time to time.
Certainly, our focus was on our grandchildren’s lifetime events such as birthdays, ballgames, graduations and even their wedding day. These times were foremost in our thoughts, and we were on hand as much as possible.
It would behoove parents to make sure that the grandchildren understand that Grandpa and Grandma think about them very much and to keep in touch with periodic phone calls.
Back on the home front where the grandkids live in the same community or just a short distance away, as I mentioned earlier – you are indeed blessed.
So, count your blessings and make your plans to be with your grandchildren as much as you possibly can.
Take tons of photos, make those phone calls and emails. After all, you’re a grandparent and let me be the first to say: CONGRATULATIONS!