Journée nationale des grands-parents 2021
by Jessica Jesse
2021-2022
This year wouldn't it be nice to take a walk back in time and put ourselves in our grandparent's shoes? I think it would be mind-blowing.
For those of us who are "boomers" our grandparent's generation saw gargantuan changes in the world, only to be outdone by our parent's generation, thus now our children's grandparents.
Grandparents have seen a world emerge from the industrial revolution to a near sci-fi futuristic, technology-laden world. Yes, there are still some countries on Earth that are perhaps not as advanced, but I don't think there is a country in the world without a cell phone.
We should seek-out our grandparents and tell them thank you, for we would not be here if it weren't for them. We should ask them to share their experiences and knowledge, a knowledge so powerful because it is time-tested and based on experience, on having lived through things.
Grandparents need love. They should feel cherished and feel that they are priceless. We should help bring back their fondest memories and have them share with us the highs and lows in their life. We should take care of them.
This year, make it a point to celebrate your grandparents. They have been through last year's isolation and have endured, and probably even made stronger. And remember, that if you are very lucky, one day you too will be a grandparent.
BDG Team Grandparents
ELEANOR
This is my favorite picture of my grandparents on their wedding day. Although I never met my grandfather, who died a few months before I came into this fabulous world, his influence and my grandmother's are a big part of who I am. They were both world travelers, showed no fear of the unknown, and owned Whitcomb Travel in my home town of Leominster Massachusetts. Although no longer a family business the name goes on and I love to drive past the store front and see it every time I'm home visiting.
SYDNEY
My grandpa is one of the most important people in my life and I definitely would not be who I am today without him! My grandpa is selfless, sweet, dedicated, smart, and compassionate. His love and care for people is limitless, his humor is contagious, and his smile makes everyone around him so happy. He has taught me to work hard and has always encouraged me to pursue anything I'm passionate about. No matter what is going on in my life he is always there to listen and offer guidance. My grandpa is my hero and he inspires me every day to be my best self. Happy Grandparent's Day, grandpa! Love you always.
CINDY
My grandmother's superpower is selflessness. Leaving Vietnam and bringing her children with her, she came to America in the 80s with no money, education, or connections. My grandmother and mother's sacrifices gave my siblings and I the chance at the "American Dream" and I am eternally grateful.
MEGHAN
I am incredibly fortunate to not only have been close with my grandparents growing up, but to have been able to experience a relationship with them as an adult. My grandma and grandpa (we called him "papa") both worked tirelessly to provide a happy and safe home for their children and grandchildren. I have never met anyone as kind, caring, and concerned for other's wellbeing as them. Unfortunately, my grandpa passed away in 2017 before being able to meet his first great-grandchild but his name lives on as my son's middle name and now my grandma gets to spoil her great-grandson as his "Gigi".
CHRISTINE
My grandparents were married for over 60 years and one of my favorite memories of them is that they would send me a card for every holiday. I have several Halloween, Earth Day, and Arbor cards. I love that they would still think of me on even the smallest occasion!
IDREES
My grandfather was long gone even before I could meet him, but my family says that my personality, and looks closely resemble him. Nevertheless, I didn't feel incomplete without him because my grandmother made sure she was there for me. She would take care of me and my younger sister, share her adventurous stories, and all the boys she rejected when she was a teenager. She would even make complaints to my father every night for all the mischievous activities I had done that day. It was impossible to get away from my grandma. Today, I am glad that she was there because those memories are priceless. Happy Grandparent's Day, grandma.
KRISTIN
Incredibly lucky to be one of the 16 grandchildren/great grandchildren that get to call her my grandmother! SHe is all the good things: kind, generous, intelligent, beautiful, creative, supportive - the list could go on forever. Happy Grandparent's Day to my Mimi, one of my favorite people on this planet!! I hope to be just like her when I grow up!
TODD
In memory of my father who has passed and my mom who is a super trooper and doing well at now 91.
JENNIFER
One of the beautiful memories that I have with my grandpa isthat at least once a week we get together and play a little game of rummy. The way he cares and loves his plants and flowers has inspired me to cherish even the smallest things in life. One of my grandpa's superpower is that even at his age he has the energy of a twenty year old, he refuses to stop working even if it's around the house.
JORGE
The most loving grandparents that I could wish for, my life examples...I miss them so much!
DIANA
When I reminisce on the many memories I have with my Grandpa, one that stood out and will forever be engraved in my mind iswhen I would go visit him on Sundays and he would sit me on his lap and let me play with the bass buttons of his accordion. Then he would let me hold the heavy instrument and laugh while I struggled to open and close it. I remember getting excited about finally learning a few notes. One of his superpowers is his ability to learn a different instrument very quickly.
IRMA
A sweet memory that I remember about my grandma is that whenever she would come visit the family she would always make sure to bring me something that I liked. One of my grandma's superpower is that she is a master at making beautiful embroidery.
