Never underestimate your influence as a grandparent. While you may not see it or realize it now, the relationship you build with your grandchildren will last for generations.
While surfing the net one day (I am a techno-savvy grandma some days), I came across an article written by Rachel Anna, “Special Gifts: The Influence of Grandparents” on wwww.grandparentstoday.com. In it she says, “I tell my children the same stories that my grandmother used to tell me. I teach them songs and riddles that she was kind enough to share with me. I delight in teaching them things that she taught me and am sure to tell them where my knowledge and experience has come from. I hope they look into my eyes and see warmth and love when I speak of my grandmother.”
Lately, some of my grands have been interested in knowing what I did when I was a little girl. We have swapped a few stories about when I got stitches several times. And I’ve talked about ice fishing with my dad and having to bait my hook with fish eyes when our bait ran out. The boys especially like that story.
Anna goes on to say, “I was fortunate enough to get a glimpse at the girl that my grandmother once was, as she shared that part of herself with me from time to time. I hope that my love and respect for her will carry over to my girls and they will learn to care for and love their grandparents in a special way all their own.”
Carrying on respect for generations starts with leaving good memories for our children and grandchildren, with sharing our struggles, our discoveries, our history and letting the younger generations know that no matter what life may bring, we have each other and a loving God to see us through. If my hair must turn white, let it be a sign that experience has given me some wisdom and maturity has shown me the importance of loving one another. May love be the greatest influence I have on my grandchildren.
Copyright © by Karen Robbins | 0 comments
