I remember my Granny with fondness for her clarity around her grandchildrens’ behavior. We knew how to set a table for her without asking, chew with our mouths closed without being told, and put a napkin on our laps to avoid the look. We know the look and it’s hereditary. My mother got it, and she passed it on to me.
The look needs no explanation.
I miss my Granny. She dressed for the day. She dressed for life - inside and out. These are the memories that replaced her expectations of us grandchildren at the dinner table. I remember each of us grandchildren getting a trip into town to purchase our first set of dishes, glasses, silverware, and towels for our first apartment. She cared about us, and she cared about how we felt in our personal spaces. It reminded all of us about dinner with her as we set our own tables.
She taught us more by her examples in life than by what she did or purchased for us. She taught us stature, how to hold our tongue, and how to unleash that tongue! She shared history of family, her passions around teaching and learning, and how to love unconditionally.
Grandparents come in different shapes and sizes, colors and flavors. They share what is important to them and learn what is important to us. They have a different level of patience than parents – perhaps a learning curve of sorts! They are the anchors in our families and know how to pass the torch.
They deserve more than just one day of honoring, and they certainly deserve words of appreciation.
As we consider how we will show our grandparents our gratitude, remember quality time and listening to your grandparents are memories worth creating. And if you can squeeze in a little extra time each month it won’t go unnoticed. Kind words and a soft touch can touch their hearts in ways beyond description.
We hope you will find the time to reach out to your grandparents and let them know the difference they made in your lives, as you make a difference in theirs.
Affinity Wealth Advisory Group is a multi-generational planning firm. Call 602.923.9800 or email at affinitywealthadvisorygroup@ampf.comto learn more.
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