This week my twelve year old granddaughter received horrible news. For the second time in a matter of weeks a grandfather has died.
His paternal grandfather had heart surgery about a year ago, but he seemed to have made a pretty good recovery. So everyone was shocked when he passed away a few weeks ago. Mikaeli had several opportunities to be with him in her life and she got to know him quite well. Because she is so interested in genealogy, she was delighted when several old photographs were found in her belongings and we have plans to upload them to the family tree together.
This month, Mikaeli went to Saskatoon to spend a week with her maternal grandparents as part of their summer vacation. She has only been home a few days since that adventure. Today we received the news that her grandfather drowned during a fishing trip.
Two missing grandparents within weeks of each other!
All of this has reminded me of the importance of grandparents in a child’s life. All four of my grandparents had a powerful influence on me. Both of my grandmothers taught me to knit and shared skills that I still use in my kitchen. My paternal grandfather was a wonderful example of fortitude, as he immigrated to Canada alone at the age of eleven and built his life on hope and faith. My paternal grandfather was “joyful” and a musician. He would travel with other band members to nearby towns by train to play dances. His values and examples from him have helped shape my life!
All grandparents have strengths and experiences to share with their offspring, but personal contact is not always easy due to distance. My grandparents lived near us, but five of my seven grandchildren are far from me. I have had to learn to communicate through text messages instead of in person or on the phone. Most of the trips for face-to-face meetings are left to me because everyone is always very busy.
But every opportunity to interact with my grandchildren is a wonderful gift! It could mean sharing a conversation like a walk when you’re on your way to pick something up. Sometimes, it means sending a link for something that interests me. Perhaps buying a plane ticket or filling up and driving home is the best option. Bowling (after not since 1969) is a way to connect and laugh together. Or upload old photos to the family tree!
Today my eighteen year old grandson texted me about his new cement job in Kindersley which has kept him away from home for a fortnight straight shift. I learned what a hellcat (Dodge Challenger car) is and the fact that that is the goal of it!
Another grandson just texted “Who is this?” I guess I feel the wrong message for him. Oh well, grandparents make mistakes too!
It’s easy to say “I’ll have to do that.” Maybe you can’t. Remember: life is short!
It’s time to contact someone you care about today!