Recently, a gentle rain fell as I stood at the door of my daughter’s school cafeteria, contemplating how I could have rushed inside with my family for the sports banquet. Instead, I chose to let my husband and my daughter, Mia, head in while I parked the car by myself. “This is what Grandpa would have done,” I told Mia, our 16-year-old.
Grandpa passed away last spring, leaving behind memories that my children, Mia and her younger brother Ethan, 14, are old enough to cherish, yet I find myself longing for those memories to be solidified. Today, as we mark Grandparents Day, it’s bittersweet; it’s their first without Grandpa, now just three grandparents instead of four.
My kids are wonderful—bright, entertaining, and kind. Yet, like most teenagers, they can be self-absorbed and obstinate. After Grandpa’s battle with lung cancer, which included countless treatments and hospital stays, I hope they learned something meaningful from his experience. In addition to ferrying them to events like I did for the banquet, I want to impart these three lessons:
1. LGLGLG
This quirky acronym, pronounced “el-gee-el-gee-el-gee,” was a staple of my childhood. Grandpa would enthusiastically shout it every Saturday as we prepared for errands together. It stood for “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go!” His infectious energy inspired us to seize the day, and he always made sure to start us off with breakfast. The chores and stresses of the week never seemed to weigh him down. I want my kids to recognize the kind of father and husband he was, embodying positivity even during tough times.
2. Savor Every Moment
Whenever my parents came to visit, we indulged in Alaskan king crab legs. Grandpa would bring home six pounds of these delicious crustaceans, and we’d feast with melted butter and cocktail sauce spread across the table. While Mia tried her hand at cracking the legs, Ethan opted for his favorite fast food. Grandpa, however, took his time, sharing the best parts with Grandma. His thoroughness and determination in every task taught me the value of appreciation, and I hope my children carry that lesson forward.
3. Embrace Kindness
Grandpa had a unique way of spreading kindness; he would say “bless you” for any bodily noise—sneezes, coughs, and even yawns. I often found it amusing, and sometimes irritating. But as he grew weaker and could no longer offer those blessings, I realized how much I valued those simple words. They were never just reflexive; they were heartfelt. After his passing, Mia surprised me one evening by offering to make tea, a gesture she likely picked up from Grandpa’s nightly routine of checking in and asking what she wanted. I hope she understands the depth of that kindness.
As we reflect on Grandparents Day, cherish those who are still with you and recognize the lessons they impart. For more insights on home insemination and related topics, you can check out this article or visit this excellent resource for more information.
In summary, I hope my children carry forward the spirit of their grandfather, learning to approach life with enthusiasm, savoring every experience, and embracing the importance of kindness.