“Once upon a time, there was a little boy …”
That’s how my Grandmom would start off her bedtime stories to me when I was little. We’d cuddle up in bed, and she’d tell these epic, off-the-cuff tales that always had me on the edge of my seat. She’d give each character (which were mostly talking animals) a silly, unique voice and the boy would always find himself in some sort of colorful predicament to learn a lesson from. And whether the little boy got lost at the zoo, joined the circus, went on a safari or climbed a mountain made of candy, the stories would always end the same way — with me asleep.
The smell of her house, the sound of her laugh, the taste of her mashed potatoes … it’s seemingly small sensory memories like these that often leave the deepest impressions on us — impressions that last a lifetime.
Without question, grandparents hold a cherished place in our lives and our children’s lives. And while experiences vary, the grandparent-grandchild bond is typically viewed as one of the most emotionally important relationships, second only to the parent-child relationship.
Now that I’m a parent, I’ve gotten to see my own parents become grandparents. Now, it’s my own mom baking them cookies and reading them books. It’s my own dad making them breakfast and doing silly faces to make them laugh.
I’m sure most would agree, there’s really no better parenting hack than living within driving distance of “cool” grandparents who let your kids eat a little too much junk food and stay up a little too late. Those are the priceless memories that your kids will remember when they grow up and become parents themselves — when they become grandparents themselves.
I’m writing all this because last month, my Grandmom passed away peacefully in her sleep at 93-years-old, one day after National Grandparents Day. She was the kindest person I’ve ever known who taught me how to treat people, how to live with love and that family is everything. I would give anything to hear a story from her one more time.
Life has a way of reminding us too late that the greatest treasures are never things — they’re the people who love us without conditions. Grandparents hold our little hands for just a brief moment, but they leave footprints on us forever.
So, whether you call them Grammy or Gigi, Pop or Grandpa, know they’re playing a huge role in your kids’ lives — one that will make a lasting impact on their character. Once they’re gone, life will never be the same. Make sure to cherish them while they’re here.
