Grandparents

Today is Grandparent's Day. At the girls preschool they will have various kiddos share their grandparents this morning. Days like today are a double-edged sword. There will be happiness that they have special visitors but also sadness that their beloved grandparents are not there. Such is life sometimes. We've often lived far from our family so we are pretty good with learning how to love and be loved from afar. Today though, I think about how fortunate I was to live not just near but with my grandparents and my great grandmother for so much of my life. While I can see the complications of multi-generational living, especially as a parent, it is such a rich and unique experience for children. My mom never had to worry about "childcare" or babysitters. There was always someone there. I also had a lot of academic, emotional, and psychological support. I always had four people who literally poured themselves into my growing up.

I am so fortunate that my children have  two sets of loving grandparents. They are also so fortunate to have a still-living great-grandparent. In their life they have/had so many wonderful people who were surrogate and bonus grandparents. They are really fortunate children. Today, I wish some of those people were near but we know they send their love from afar. We love you and appreciate you all.

If you're an adult and you have/had a positive relationship with your grandparent(s) reflect on that today. Think about all the wonderful things they did and do for you. There will never be anyone to take their place but be open to others who can help fill your heart. Love them.

To all the grandparents out there, thank you for loving us. For taking us in. For healing and sheltering us. For being the parents sometimes. You are appreciated. You are loved. Happy Grandparent's Day.