Grandparent’s Day has always been a tough day for me. By the time I was 6 years old, my grandparents had all passed away.
I cherish the few memories I have with them. My MeMaw taught me and my cousins to love vegetables. My Papa always had a freezer full of ice cream sandwiches for us kids. I can still remember eating them on cold summer days.
All throughout my school age years I felt like I missed out on grandparent events. While all my classmates were enjoying making gifts for their grandparents and inviting them to lunch, I was wishing mine had not passed away.
My cousin’s grandma took me in as a grandchild the best she could. When she would come to have grandparents lunch with my cousin she would stop by and give me a hug. She also made the cutest Easter baskets for me and my brother. I appreciate her more than she realizes for those small and thoughtful gestures.
New Beginnings. New Grandparents.
When my mom married my step-dad, I had grandparents again. By that time, I was too old for making crafts and having lunch with them at school. However, I was able to enjoy a few short years with my grandpa before he passed. My grandma is 91 years old! I love spending time with her when I can in Pensacola, FL.
I truly value the time and conversations with her. We usually talk about football. She is a die hard Dallas Cowboys fan (bless her) and I am a New Orleans Saints fan. My grandma use to live in Texas and went to many football games. Over the years she has collected Dallas Cowboys memorabilia. Some of her collection is even autographed by the best players the Cowboy’s ever had. I enjoy listening to her stories of how she met the players and got their autographs.
Conversations about all of the family dogs is also a must. We are a dog loving family, so there are plenty to talk about. Also, when we visit we like to feed the ducks in the pond in front of her house. My son Thomas loves talking and quacking at them, while they eat out of his hand.
I have learned to always cherish your grandparents. The ones that make their way into your life in unexpected ways.
