As grandparents, we are always looking for something to catch the eye of our grandchildren, their attention, their minds, or their food palates to make our time with them special. Yes, we can always buy them something special. Buying is easy. It's the time spent with them that counts. When:
buying them a game, we must play it with them.
purchasing trucks and cars, we must rev it up with them.
giving a fishing pole, we must fish with them.
making food for them, we must include them in the preparation.
buying coloring books, paper, markers, paints, and crayons, we must design with them.
getting out the Playdoh/Legos/building kits, we must build with them.
picking up a book, we must read to/with them.
choosing a writers notebook and writing utensil for them, we must write/sketch with them.
being a grandparent, we must really be with them when we are with them.
being with them, we will share our hearts, our minds, and our souls.
As a result, we will always be with them in their hearts.
You are so right, & an inspiring grandparent. I remember my own times with my grandparents, playing endless games of Monopoly and Canasta, or reading, going to the library, etc. Special memories that cost only time. Thanks for the reminder of what's important.
ReplyDeleteI like the list. These are probably some of the things that you have done with your grandchildren. My mom is that kind of a grandma. Maybe the "must" could be phrased as an opportunity. I love the last three lines.
ReplyDeleteThere is no one more important to a child outside of their parents, than a grandparent. No matter what the age of the grandchild. Your grandchildren sound very lucky.
ReplyDeleteBoy, did you hit the nail on the head with this one! I remember the times spent with my grandparents, playing cards with grandma, hiking through the woods with Grandpa. I'm sure my own kids have their special memories of their grandparents. Now I am working on creating those magic memories with my own grandkids (but when did I get old enough to be a grandma?). This post is a wonderful reminder about how to do that.
ReplyDeleteYou put it perfectly. My mom was just here for a visit and my boys are still talking about the memorable moments they shared. You are right, it's not what you buy, but how you spend the time. Your grandkids are very lucky to have you.
ReplyDeleteI love this, you have caught the essence of what im means to be family.
ReplyDeleteYou have reminded me of a key priority in teaching - as I sit with a planner in my lap thinking about summer school - engagement. Being with these young students, working side by side with them will be the best summer experience I can give them.
ReplyDeleteYour grandchildren are lucky indeed! I keep thinking about the tiaras and who gets to be queen, and here I see that you are in the thick of things with most everything your grandkids do when with you. Sounds fun, and you are giving them so much more than time!
ReplyDeleteLove the repetitive structure - it shows how involved you are with them. Bravo for you! You are bringing so much to their lives.
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