Grandparent’s Day falls on the first Sunday after Labor Day so on the 11th of September as a Nation we recognize and value the roles played by “Grandparents”.

Grandparents Day was first recognized in 1979 through the efforts of Mrs. Marion McQuade, a mother of 15, grandmother of 43, great grandmother of 10 and a great-great grandmother of one. Mrs. McQuade wanted a special day celebrating the grandparent where families would come together in gatherings to share fellowship with one another. As a nationally recognized day we will have the opportunity to publically affirm the importance and vital role grandparents play in families today. Painting a picture of grand-parenting today is quite different from when I was a child, as families in general are changing. Many factors affect the changing role, such as geographical distances and personal/work life schedules.

In each family we can choose what role grandparents play in the family structure. We can choose to define it, recognize it, validate it and/or celebrate it for the wisdom, the legacy, the history and the contributions it may bring to enhancing the lives of our young.

My fondest and most wonderful childhood memories is the time spent with my grandmother, affectionately called “Nanny” and my grandfather, named “Da Da”. These two people practically raised me when, at an early age, my parents divorced and our family fell upon hard economic times. I attribute these warm and loving people with grounding me with the strong core values I have today; their love and devotion gave me a sense of total well being and nurtured my self worth.

It was at the feet of my Nanny that I acquired many impacting and valuable life lessons as she was indeed my role model, mentor, confident and friend.

I remember attending a Sunday School Summer Program where my grandmother participated in an arts and crafts session with me, assisting me in creating a macaroni paper plate hat. I recall gluing so much glue on the paper that the macaroni literally floated and the glue dripped from the sides. After attaching ties to the plate, my grandmother proudly placed this fashion statement upon her head proclaiming my secured future as a fashion designer. During this one moment she taught me that I can accomplish even the greatest with macaroni and I can bring happiness with little effort.

I encourage you to find time to recognize your grandparent or a special someone that added value to your young life and to foster healthy and happy relationships between our young and their grandparents.

GRANDPARENTS

Few can bring the warmth

We can find in their embrace,

And little more is needed to bring love

Than the smile on their face.

They’ve a supply of precious stories,

Yet they’ve time to wipe a tear,

Or give us reasons to make us laugh,

They grow more precious through the years.

I believe that God sent us Grandparents

As our legacy from above,

To share the moments of our life,

As extra measures of His love.

– Author Unknown