The most fortunate among you are those Grandparents with lots of memories, especially during this time of isolation. I have a few friends that spend their time in woulda, shoulda land. Last time I checked we don’t get many, if any, do overs. If you agree with that then the choice to reach back for those precious memories, those meaningful conversations becomes easier. We can choose to marinate in the good memories.
Better yet is to get creative and be proactive in some way in your family.
My good fortune comes in the form of a family newsletter I started writing every Sunday morning for the past 3+ years. It isn’t easy but it is one of the most meaningful things I have ever done. As I tell the recipients, some close friends but mostly blood family, I sit quietly and let each of them tip toe through my brain. Ahhhhhhhh! the memories. I do things like keep up with the birthdays, celebrate marriages, share news about the 5 dozen or so folks that are on my list, and I even throw in a Nugget of Wisdom each week. The Nugget is a quote that I can copy and paste from the list of Quotes I collect or Brainy Quotes. Living on the East Coast I throw in lots of Sunrise pictures. In an effort to let the distant cousins, etc. put a face to the name I add a current picture from Facebook to their Happy Birthday wish.
Each of you can find your own way to extract the beauty of your past and plop it into today. The magic comes in the changing of mindset from loneliness and isolation to warmth and connection.
Thanks for being a Caring Grandparent.
Recent Posts
Your Grandchildren’s Parents Are Your Bridge to Them
The most important grandparenting relationship isn't with your grandchildren – it's with their parents. When…
Discussing Finances With Adult Children
Half of parents give adult children $1,474 monthly. For grandparents, discussing finances feels impossible. Learn…
Setting Financial Boundaries as a Grandparent
Half of parents provide $1,474 monthly to adult children. For grandparents, setting financial boundaries isn't…
When Good Grandparents Go Wrong
New research on 11,434 children reveals that grandparent-parent alignment matters more than involvement amount. When…
The 11th Commandment: Honor the Parents
The 11th Commandment of grandparenting isn’t “Thou shalt agree with the parents.” It is “Thou…
What on Earth is an Upside-down Hug?
A simple, silly ritual like an Upside-Down Hug can create lifelong memories. Grandparents who build…