Grandparents Make the World Go Round

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In my life, I have been blessed with three incredible grandmothers to learn from and one grandfather.

Each of these individuals has left an impression on me that is imprinted in my heart.

My maternal grandmother died young, but I spent my afternoons with her after school while in elementary school. She was legally blind but an avid reader and would read Aesop’s Fables with me with her magnifying glass discussing the lessons behind each story. She had every reason not to seek knowledge and to allow her limitations to define that piece of her, but she didn’t. I owe my love of learning and books to her, as well as my quiet determination.

My paternal grandmother is still here, and I am so grateful for that! I remember childhood memories of traveling with her on her client visits as a realtor. I remember her beautiful table spreads for holidays, especially Christmas. I am instantly taken back to warm memories in her home whenever I see a butter cookie tin. She is smart and sophisticated and always makes each of the Grands feel special and valued. I treasure my handwritten notes and cards from her the most. I still have birthday messages saved from her in my voicemail, too.

The third grandmother in my life was my husband’s grandmother, but she was a part of my daily life for so long that I always felt like one of her own. She was a live-in grandmother who took her role seriously and was truly a part of everyday life. I most enjoyed watching old movies with her, talking about her childhood, and learning the patience behind cooking from her. She had an incredible knack for making everything taste delicious and was so funny. I miss her wit, but I now see it in our youngest daughter, who shares the same birthday as her.

And then there is my maternal Grandfather. He passed away this past year, and it brought back a lot of memories from when I was younger. Driving with him in the U-Haul when he picked us up in TX after my parents divorced and my dad left us, the way he was only a call away when I hit my brand new car at 16 and didn’t want to call my parents, and most of all, his full-on belief that he was Elvis’ celebrity double. I know all his songs from our car rides.

Now, as a parent with live-in grandparents for our girls, I get to see these memories being made as a spectator, and that gives my heart such joy for them because grandparents really do make the world go round.

As I reflect on my memories, I realize we always hear about what grandparents give to us and the important role they serve in the family unit, but there’s not as much emphasis on them as their own person.

For this reason, I thought it would be fun to look up questions to ask them to learn more about who they were before they became parents or grandparents. I encourage you to do the same. It would mean the world to them to recall memories or qualities they may have forgotten in their quest to serve their families so well.

This link from The Good Trade has some great ideas! Make it your own. Have them fill it out so you can keep their handwriting as a memento or create a video to share with family members who don’t live nearby.

Most of all, honor and pay tribute to them so they will remember how truly special and invaluable they are to each of us on this Grandparents’ Day!

 

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Cristin Peterson
Cristin is a mompreneur who is passionate about trying to find the elusive balance between all the hats moms wear within a day. She is living her dream come true (not to be confused with perfect!) life. This includes operating the family business with her husband, taking full advantage of all the wonder and craziness that comes with parenting two daughters under 5, and enjoying a home life that is enriched with live-in grandparents! Beyond the daily hustle, beach days, family movie nights, and Disney trips are her cherished retreats. Cristin is a servant leader at heart who has a desire to be successful and use that success to build connections with her community and create a legacy for her family. But ultimately, being a mom will always be her greatest accomplishment.

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