The Superior Express -

There was a statement recently shared about grandchildren, “some of the greatest blessings call us Grandma and Grandpa.” Grandparents certainly appreciate and agree with that statement. I know I do.

Over Thanksgiving weekend, families and friends came together. That included grandparents with their grandchildren. It brought back precious grandparent memories of our past family times together. Thoughts came to mind of the joy on my grandmother’s face when a new grandchild was placed in her arms as she would rock back and forth, cuddling the little one. The times my mother would enjoy having her grandchildren all around her and insisting they come and stay overnight with her and dad. Their grandchildren still enjoy telling the many stories and great times they had with their grandparents.

I often wonder who enjoys whom the most — the grandchildren with their grandparents or the other way around. Guess I can speak for both, as I’ve been a grandchild and now as a grandparent, both are and were loved and appreciated. So much is learned from a grandparent. Grandparents seem to have more time for their grandchildren and thankfully they don’t have to be the main disciplinarians. Grandparents are good listeners, great supporters and wonderful teachers. They seem to have more patience too. I remember going to my grandmother when I needed some wise advice. She never seemed to think my problems were unreal and in the end, she would make it seem that I came up with the answer.

Granddad was the best storyteller and he was as good as any Farmer’s Almanac in predicting the weather, giving health recommendations, when was the best time to plant seeds and when to harvest. He could catch the biggest fish while wearing his “jungle helmet” for protection from the sun, and recommend what foods were the healthiest to eat. That included lots of onions.

I was blessed with a “grandmother” on one side of the family and a “granny” on the other side of the family. It took me a long time to figure out where my granny came by her name, but later I learned that was what her children called granddad’s mother, and now the wife of my cousin on that side of the family is called granny by her grandchildren. A legacy is carried on.

Grandchildren can never get to old to give their grandparents a hug and that means so much to the grandparents. The greatest blessing is when they say, “I love you, Grandma and Grandpa” if not in person, then in a card, over the telephone, or in a text. They seem glad to see you and the feeling is certainly mutual.

Recently a new grandmother posted a photo on social media, holding her first newborn grandchild. It brought tears to my eyes just knowing how she felt at that moment. How precious seeing that big smile on her face. There is no other feeling like being a grandparent.