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November 2007

Grandparents

May is Older Americans month. Let's reflect on one of the greatest pleasures of being an older person. Volumes have been written about the important role that grandparents play in children's lives, but perhaps those who say it best are the children themselves. Enjoy these insights written by 8 year-olds who have it all figured out about grandparents.

• Grandparents are a lady and a man who have no little children of their own, but they like other people's.

• A grandfather is a man grandmother.

• Grandparents don't have to do anything except be there when we come to see them. It is good if they drive us to the store and have lots of quarters for us.

• When they take us for walks, they slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars. They like rolley-polley bugs too.

• They show us and tell us about the colors of the flowers and why we shouldn't step on "cracks."

• They don't say "Hurry up."

• Grandparents don't need to be smart, but they need to be able to answer questions like, "Why isn't God married?" and "How come dogs chase cats?"

• When they read to us, they don't skip. They don't mind if we ask for the same story again. Grandpa can make his voice sound like a little pig or a big bad wolf.

• They like snacks before bed-time too - especially ice cream and they say prayers with us every time. They kiss us even when we've acted bad.

• They like to spend time with us, and they like our jokes.