Grandparent’s Day is Sunday. In 1978 it was proclaimed by Congress that this nation would observe National Grandparent’s Day on the first Sunday following Labor Day. Grandparents play an important part in the family’s lives. Long gone are the days when families lived close to one another and the grandparents were able to help in raising the younger generation. Now families often live hundreds of miles from one another, some even live across the globe from each other. Today families have developed and worked out ways to remain connected with the grandparents. Grandparents also think of ways to keep in touch with their grandchildren.

Computers and cell phones have made it easier to stay in touch with programs like Facetime where it’s possible to be miles away and still talk and see each other. Trip and vacation times may be used visiting the grandparents. Emails and letters can be sent regularly back and forth. Phone calls can be made where family news and stories can be shared. It’s so important to share family traditions and hear family history and stories.

I feel fortunate my sisters and I grew up living within four miles from one set of grandparents and seven miles from the other set of grandparents. One grandfather taught us how to fish and told the best family stories including stories about his time serving his country during WW I. He led his family in respect for this country and how important it is to live a life for Christ. His wife, our Granny, shared her love of music with us and also a love of family. She made the best pies.

On the other side of the family, that grandfather could make the best horse trades. He was a master at getting the best bid for an auction item. He was a true cowboy in his day and shared his love of horses with his children and grandchildren. Grandma was a gardener and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She shared her interest in reading, canning and making delicious jellies with her family.

These grandparents were loved. We shared many days and nights with them, learning from them. They encouraged their grandchildren and always had time for us. We knew they were proud of us and often told us so. As we grew up, we regularly visited them and shared meals with them. We enjoyed being with them. When we became parents, we made sure our children often visited their great-grandparents.

Now my grandparents are no longer with us and they are certainly missed. Often their sayings, their stories, and their interests pop out in their grandchildren.

Now my husband and I are grandparents and we love our seven granddaughters. Their grandfather enjoys teaching them how to fly a kite and taking them for a tractor ride. They know when they come to stay, there will be ice cream or popcorn before they go to bed. I like it when they text me and let me know how they are doing, or sing Happy Birthday over the phone in honor of my special day. I’ve enjoyed teaching them how to make cookies and pies and playing the piano while they sing a favorite song. It may be that special day we go shopping together, or read a book together before bedtime. But, the best grandparent time is when they say, I love you along with a great big hug.