What are grandparents? Just a title we give to people when their “grown-up babies” have babies of their own? People who give gifts? Old people with wrinkles all over? If that’s what it is, I don’t know what my parents are to my kids… yeah, okay, they give gifts, but they aren’t wrinkled or old yet… they’re so much more than just grandparents.
To my children, my parents are significant figures; they’re another source of love that my children will have throughout their lives. My parents give gifts, but only for special occasions. I was very clear with them—I definitely didn’t want my children to receive gifts every day for no reason… my parents understood what I wanted for my children. I wanted them to be there for my children—to play with them, take them on outings to create memories, be a part of their growth, and give them all the love I’ve already received.
I wanted my children, when my parents walk into my house, to be as happy as a dog seeing its owner come home. Okay, the comparison might seem weird, but imagine them when my parents come over—that’s exactly what happens most of the time!!! My children run up to them to give them hugs and kisses, just like a dog does with its owner.
That’s what it means to be true grandparents! To have grandchildren who love them for who they are, for the love they receive, and for their presence in our daily lives.
Here, my kids are absolutely thrilled to have their grandparents!