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 underwent heart surgery about a year ago, but seemed to have recovered quite well. So everyone was shocked when he passed away a few weeks ago. Mikaeli had several chances 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 together to the family tree.
This month, Mikaeli went to Saskatoon to spend a week with her maternal grandparents as part of her 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 grandparents missing weeks apart!
All of this has reminded me of the importance of grandparents in a child’s life. My four grandparents had a powerful influence on me. Both of my grandmothers taught me how to knit and shared skills that I still use in my kitchen. My paternal grandfather was a wonderful example of strength 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 at dances. His values and examples of him have helped shape my life!
All grandparents have strengths and experiences to share with their descendants, 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 travel for face-to-face meetings is left to me because everyone is always so 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 posting a link to something your interests have told me. Maybe buying a plane ticket or filling up the tank and driving home is the best option. Bowling (after not bowling 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 had him away from home for a fortnight straight. I learned what a hellcat (Dodge Challenger car) is and the fact that that is the point 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!
