The Importance Of Grandparents

Due to recent events, I have been thinking of all the wonderful memories I have with my grandparents. I am ashamed to say that it took them being on the brink of death that put them back to the forefront of my mind. I know as you get older you have less time for many things. After getting married and having Ella, not to mention that my grandparents are almost an hour away, I haven't spent nearly as much time with them as I used to. I am however grateful that we were with them both for the holidays. Maybe I should cut myself a little slack, I did spend a lot of time with them over the years. I am just more upset with myself for taking them for granted and thinking they will always be here.

I was fortunate enough to have wonderful grandparents. Not just my mother's parents, but my dad's too. My paternal grandpa passed when I was only four. I only have a few memories of him, but they are good ones. As I think about how much I am going to miss mine, I am so grateful for how much time I spent with them over the years. I also wonder why so many people don't make more of a priority for their parents and kids to make memories together. I understand if the seperation is to keep your child safe, like your mother is crazy and your father is abusive, but usually that isn't the case. Like me people just become busy. I just think about how much I love my parents, and my in laws, and especially how much I love my daughter and I want her to know them. I want to share her with her grandparents. Grandparents can teach so many wonderful things. They have amazing stories to tell and outlooks on life your child can gain from someone who isn't mom or dad. (Which is a good thing, they just might listen to it more.)

I feel like with every generation, especially when kids get a little older, grandparents aren't a priority anymore. Kids don't know anything about their grandma's or grandpa's life story. They are missing out on all the things grandparents can teach them. I know I will always encourage Ella to talk to her grandparents and let them teach her a few things. I want Ella to have memories with her grandparents like I do with mine.