In memory & honor of grandparents

Maybe to my own shame, but I forgot my grandmother's birthday was yesterday. And I forgot that today marks the 15th anniversary of my other grandmother's death. But when I realized these things this morning (thanks, Mom), it put me in a very reflective mood about grandparents. Some background for you about my grandparents:

• My paternal grandfather died in the '70s. My parents were barely dating when he died.
• My maternal grandfather died 6 months and 2 days before I was born. The last thing he and my mother talked about was me- his baby was having a baby.
• My paternal grandmother lived in Rhode Island. She was as involved as she could be from that far away. We were always pretty close to her.
• My maternal grandmother was the grandparent who lived closest to us. But due to a variety of reasons, she never spent much time with us. She was also sick most of my brother's life and most of what I can remember.

Grandparents have such a potential to be positive influences on children. They are the links to the child's past. They are the ones who help establish traditions with kids. It's their job to spoil (along with aunts and uncles). I hate that David and I missed out on those things. Don't get me wrong; we had amazing parents and fantastic aunts and uncles. We were never underloved, and I don't know that I noticed that we were missing anything until I was an adult. As I heard stories of people spending nights and summers with grandparents, I began to realize that we had missed out on some special relationships.

As this was our experience, I decided that it was important to me for my children to know their grandparents. It's why I get so upset when my father-in-law doesn't take his medicine like he's supposed to since his stroke. My grandmother died from a stroke. My grandfathers died from diseases that can now be treated, high blood pressure and heart attacks. I want my parents and in-laws to do what they need to do in order to stay healthy. Not for me but for my kids.

Our little Wookiee will know his/her grandparents, God willing. He or she will get spoiled by grandparents. My parents and in-laws will do things with Wook that will drive me crazy, but at least he/she will have the experience of having grandparents who are involved. I am so incredibly thankful for that blessing in our lives.

Granny and Meme, I miss you both.