My husband and I have both been blessed to have grandparents for much of our adult lives, but over the last few years, we have lost them, one-by-one. I now have one living grandparent, and my husband has none.
I feel so blessed to have grown up with grandparents who loved me and showed an interest in my life as a child. As I grew older, my grandparents became some of my best friends. After having children of my own, I became especially close to two of my grandparents. They have both provided me with listening ears and parental advice that I truly value.
I lost one of those dear grandparents this year, and that loss left a sizeable void in our entire family. Every birthday, holiday, and random moments in regular days come with a twinge of sadness. Time heals, but we never forget the moments cherished with those we love.
As I treasure the moments remaining with my grandmother, I am reminded of the importance of showing love all throughout the year, but especially on Grandparents Day.
8 Ways to Love Your Grandparents This Grandparents Day
Listen to grandparents’ stories.
Grandparents love telling stories. They like to talk about what it was like when they were young and how it was back in the good ole days. It’s always fun to hear a good family story, and we can learn so much about our families if we take time to ask questions and listen.
Appreciate grandparents’ wisdom.
With age comes wisdom. Grandparents are the oldest members in the family unit. They have had experiences that the younger generations have not. In many cases, they have lived in tougher times than we do today, and we can gain so much from taking their advice.
Love them for who they are.
Grandparents change as they grow older. They don’t move as quickly as they once did. They eat slowly. They forget things and are set in their ways. Once a person has reached 70 or 80, they aren’t going to change, so love and appreciate them for who they are.
Spend quality time with grandparents.
Grandparents love to spend time with their grandchildren because all they have is time. It’s important to visit grandparents at their home. In my experience, grandparents enjoy coming to my home, but what they really want is a visit in their familiar surroundings. Just being together is enough.
Give grandparents a card.
It’s so easy to purchase a card from the dollar store. It’s a perfect way to say, I love you. Homemade cards are extra special, especially when they include handprints and names written in big chunky letters from the great-grands. Those are the sweetest!
Related Posts:
Snail Mail: The Art of Sending Cards
Super Cute Handprint Craft for Grandparent's Day
Invite grandparents over for a meal.
Everyone loves to go to grandma’s house for a meal, but sometimes grandmas need a break from the kitchen too! As grandparents age, they may not take time to eat balanced meals. Many times they live alone and eat quick meals or snacks. A meal gives the opportunity to spend time with them while meeting a physical need as well.
Recipes:
Easy Stovetop Lasagna Recipe for Busy Mamas
Tater Tot Casserole with Veggies
Taco Wraps and Homemade Taco Seasoning
Go to church with grandparents.
Grandparents Day falls on Sunday each year, so what better way to show love and care than to attend church with your grandparents?
Help grandparents with a project around the house.
Grandparents may not have the motivation or energy to mow the lawn or do extra projects around the house. We are all busy, but taking time to lend a helping hand to those who are aging is a terrific way to bless those who have been a blessing for years.
Project Suggestions:
A Girl's Guide to Tidying Up Her Closet
How to Clean an Oven the Non-toxic Way
How to Use A Toothbrush in the Laundry Room
The Bible reminds us in the book of Galatians that we reap what we sow, so why not pay it forward ? Love those who have shown years of love, and as we grow older, we will prayerfully reap the benefits of the love we have shown.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.
Psalm 37:25
