A Question for Grandparents

Ten years ago today, I became a grandmother! It’s hard to believe it, but I have the cutest, most creative, and kindest grandgirl to prove it. It seems like yesterday I met her for the first time.

Recently, Hubby and I gathered with three other couples. Hubby and I have been grandparents the longest, and two couples are new to the game. We shared photos and stories of our grandkids. We talked about how amazing it was to watch our babies hold their babies.

And then we answered a question.

If it were your last day on earth, what would you want to ensure your grandchildren knew? What is the most important thing you want your grandchildren to know?

We went around the table and shared our answers. Some of us had involved grandparents and some of us did not. I thought our answers were worthy of writing down. Here is our list:

Make sure they…

• Know they have all of my support, and I believe in her/him
• Know how to be fearless. Lead a life as if they cannot fail
• Have confidence
• Know ME
• Know they are enough
• Know the importance of time
• Know Jesus as a faithful, loving Savior

As I thought about our answers, the common thread woven through our answers is spending time with our grandchildren. That is how we make sure they know us and our values, and are assured of our love and support so they can be confident and fearless people. That is the heart of our answers. Sort of sounds like a mission statement for We Are Grandparents, Inc., doesn’t it?

For many years, I didn’t live in the same town or even in the same state as my grandparents. Only the first four years did I live in the same city as one set of grandparents. From the time I was ten years old – the age of my grandgirl today – I had to get on a plane and fly across the country to see them. They made time for me when I was with them, so I have a massive mental treasure chest full of memories. I considered each of my four grandparents a friend. They each instilled different things in me that shaped me into who I am today.

You don’t have to spend every day with them, but when you have time to spend, use the time wisely.

Whether you are an “old” grandparent like me or just starting out, or whether you live close by or far away, know that time spent is precious. Make the most of the time you have with your grandchildren. Love them. Have fun with them.

The same weekend we had the grandparent conversation with our friends, we looked down the beach and there was the tiniest little girl under a beach umbrella with her grandparents. Music was playing and we smiled as we watched the grandfather get up and do a silly dance with his granddaughter. It was a delight to watch. He never looked around to see if anyone was watching. He only watched her and copied her silly moves. The more he danced, the sillier her moves were. She knew she had him wrapped around her little finger. It had all of us smiling. We get it.

So, if you are a grandparent, or might be one someday, here’s my tip – read the books (even if you’ve read them a zillion times), do the silly dance, eat ice cream, wear the silly hat, pick up rocks, play the games, and teach the things you value.

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

Happy birthday to my oldest grandgirl!

How would you answer the question?