The Value of Grandparents

At my age, it’s sometimes easy to believe that my worth here on earth has diminished. After all, I’ve raised my kidsand they are off living their own lives. I’ve “passed the torch” to the next generation. But, while part of me is really relieved that the torch is gone, another part of me wonders what my value is now.

I had plans for my retirement years, plans for new hobbies, volunteer work and travels to new places. Instead, my body was struck with an illness that ended all those dreams. That further adds to the question of whether I have any value anymore.

Recently, after a prolonged bout of illness, I rode two hours to visit my three-year-old grandson. His little face was watching out the window,waiting for me to arrive. When he saw me, he rushed out the door to welcome me with a big hug and, in the four days I was there, we were only apart after he fell asleep at night.

Wherever he went, he’d beckon me with his little hands and yell, “Pon, Nana, Pon!” (Pon = Come on). I climbed up and down stairs on creaky, sore knees. I played with toys, slid down slides and answered imaginary phone calls. When I was worn out, we snuggled in my bed and watched videos. And, every night I sang our song (Scarborough Fair) repeatedly until he fell asleep in my arms. He didn’t want me out of his sight for a moment.

And, I could see my value in his big blue eyes.

A few days later I went to visit my other grandkids. My older grandson came running to meet me, almost knocking me over in his haste to be the first to hug me. “Nana,” he said. “Sister is in her room crying, she’s worried about something.” His sad eyes told me to fix it.

I found my sensitive granddaughter crying in her room. She was afraid of losing someone she loved to the Corona virus. I pulled her long-legged body onto my lap and we talked about life and death and faith. I listened to her fears and shared my experiences with fighting fear.

I heard my daughter peek in the room and then shut the door quietly. And, I could see my value in my granddaughter’s tear-stained eyes and in the tired eyes of her mama.

I may be exhausted and sick and older. But, it turns out that I’m not without value. God has always found treasure in the little things, the quiet things and the poor and homely things. I haven’t as much to offer anymore, but He showed me the value I do still have.

I never had a close relationship with my grandparents and I felt the loss. Grandparents are important. Since we’re not burdened with the stress of raising kids anymore, we are free to offer so many things to our grandkids that parents are sometimes too tired to give.

Being a grandma is a huge blessing and I hope I never take it for granted or belittle its worth again.

Sunday, September 13 is Grandparents’ Day. Celebrate the Grandparents in your life.