Modern Grandparenting
August 19, 2025
Wearing Out the Tread
September 23, 2025
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned from my great-grandparents is the power of listening. When I sat with them, I always felt like time slowed down. They weren’t distracted by phones or rushing off to the next thing. Instead, they leaned in, nodded, and truly wanted to hear what I had to say. That kind of attention made me feel seen in a way that words alone never could.
Great-grandparents often listen more than they speak, and that is part of their quiet wisdom. I remember sharing stories with mine, expecting them to jump in with advice, but instead they’d just smile, let me finish, and then gently ask a question that showed they really understood. Their silence was never empty; it was filled with care, patience, and love. It taught me that listening is sometimes more healing than speaking.
There is Power in Listening!
Thinking back, I realize how much stronger my relationships have been when I’ve tried to follow their example. When I slow down and listen the way they did, I hear more than just words, I notice emotions, hesitations, and even unspoken hopes. Listening has helped me connect not just with family, but with friends and colleagues, too. It’s a way of saying, “You matter enough for me to stop and hear you.”
In today’s world, where conversations are often rushed or half-hearted, the lessons of my great-grandparents feel even more important. Their quiet presence showed me that love isn’t always about giving advice or finding the right words; it’s often about being fully present. I try to carry that with me, whether I’m talking with my children, friends, or anyone who needs a listening ear.
Here are a few ways I’ve tried to honor their example of listening:
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Putting away distractions like my phone when someone is speaking.
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Looking into their eyes, just as my great-grandparents did with me.
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Asking gentle questions that invite deeper sharing.
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Letting silence be part of the conversation without rushing to fill it.
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Listening with empathy first, before offering my own thoughts.
The way my great-grandparents listened has stayed with me like a soft echo across time. It reminds me daily that listening is more than a skill; it’s a gift of love, one that strengthens bonds and bridges hearts across generations.
