Grandparents are special. Late in life, I learned an unselfish lesson. Although later than I wish–still valuable. I learned that elderly people are interesting, sweet and worth my time. My lesson was to give back some of the time and love my grandparents gave me.
Grandparents are amazing. They love you unconditionally; they give you much more than love. Give you so much more. So much more like time, laughter, undevoted attention, and the gift of listening to you.
I wrote an article that was dear to my heart about my memories of my grandparents for Holl and Lane Magazine, published in the 2017 Collection, Volume IV, Issue 14. I wrote this article straight from my heart because I miss my grandparents daily. I only had two of my grandparents when I realized how valuable time can be with them. I wish I had this unselfish realization sooner.
You can read my Holl and Lane article below:
As adults, we need to return the love, time and presence, not presents, to our grandparents. We need to be present. We need to be willing to give back. #grandparents Click To TweetI learned a valuable lesson, late in life, later than I wish. I learned that elderly people are interesting, sweet and worth my time. Of course, I always loved my grandparents. Grandparents are amazing. They love you unconditionally; they give you much more than love. Give you so much.
What do you give them?
As adults, we need to return the love, time and presence, not presents, to our grandparents. We need to be present. We need to be willing to give back.
As children, our grandparents gave us so much. We received love, first. But also, we received love in many different forms. Our grandparents spend time with us teaching us, loving us, listening to every word we say.
I remember my grandparents fondly. They loved me greatly. They loved me perfectly. My four grandparents spent wonderful, quality time with me. When I was with each of them, I felt loved, I felt special, I felt like they would do anything for me. And, I know each would do whatever it took to make me happy.
My grandmother, on my father’s side, took my cousin and I, places, fun places. She would always buy us presents and let us do anything we wanted. We had so much fun pretending at her house. She let us play and never cared about the mess. That’s a grandmother.
My mother’s mom cooked for me. And spent time with me. She laughed with me. I remember one time she took me to a ‘five and dime’ store (a tiny Walmart-ish store) and bought me a little purse, nail files, polish, and polish remover. This was so special to me. I remember it so distinctly. I felt so big. And, so loved.
Heartfelt memories. Remembered with joy. Think about the time your grandparents spent with you. And now, now that you are grown, give that same love and joy back to your grandparents.
Teach technology
Ask your grandparents about technology. They may have a cell phone you could help them understand more. They could benefit by you showing them simple tips. Time spent together, learning about technology, is an easy way to repay your grandparents.
Spend time with your grandparents
Take them grocery shopping, or any errand they might need. If they can’t go with you, pick up their list and go for them. If you can afford it, pay for the groceries. The point is to help them like they helped you when you were growing up. Spend time with them, reciprocate the quality time they gave you. Ask if you can help them out around the house. Offering to do something for them, around the house, would be a sweet gesture and will be appreciated, probably more than you will ever know.
Sit and listen
This may be the most important and heartfelt way to give back. Listening to a grandparent is one of the sweetest things you can do. They are often lonely and when you take the time to listen to them, you are making them happy in so many ways. You make them feel special. You make them feel important. And, you make them feel loved. Remember when you were young, they hung on every word that came out of your little mouth. They listened, they laughed, they loved you through their time.
I volunteered for Meals on Wheels for four years. I picked up the meals at our church and delivered them to the elderly, usually about four or five single people. I would sit and listen. They talked about their health, they talked about their family. They just talked. And, I sat and listened. I know they appreciated this far more than they appreciated the meal I brought them.
Ask questions
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Call your grandparents
Your grandparents love you and they have always given to you and it is time for you to give back. If you don’t live near them, call them. Text them. Facetime with them. Just communicate with your grandparents in some way. This simple gesture will make them happy. When you were young, I bet your grandparents loved calling you, talking to you, hearing your voice. This has not changed. This will still make them happy, make their day.
Snailmail
Another way to bring a smile, and possibly a happy tear to their eye, is through the written letter. I mentioned earlier that I came to this knowledge late-in-life, the knowledge of giving back to my grandparents. I figured this out after my father’s parents had passed away. When I did realize this, I began writing once a week to my mom’s parents and to my husband’s grandmother. I just wrote about my life. I rarely got a letter back but that didn’t matter. I knew they went to the mailbox in anticipation of my notes. My written notes.
I had been selfish before, living my life, not realizing that the sweet people who loved me as much as my parents, need my time. The elderly need us to show them how much they are appreciated and all the love, affection and time they showed over the years should be reimbursed.
I only wish I realized this knowledge sooner.
Don’t wait. Show your grandparents love. Give them your heart. Show them you can go out of your way, like they did for you. It is your turn, as an adult, to repay the love your grandparents gave you.
Your grandma and grandpa will appreciate it. So, will you.
I hope for you time with your grandparents. They will appreciate it and you just might learn something! I am so thankful for the time I sat listening to my grandma. I am thankful for the letters I took time to send. And if you are like me, and you have lost your grandparents--think about them and smile when the memories come flooding in.
love and blessings~dd
Read many more thoughtful, real stories from other writers at Holl and Lane Magazine.
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