Life Lessons We Learned From Our Grandparents

The role of the grandparent in a child's life is ever-changing. While playing many roles, from mentors to teachers, loving companions, historians to sometimes the best friend, the most beautiful thing about grandparents is that they love what they do and simply being with their grandchildren brings them joy every day. 

While reading this, I'm sure you can think about all the amazing memories you have with your grandparents. The times they took you shopping during the summer months for back to school clothes, getting comfy on the couch together to watch your favourite Disney movie, giving you money for no reason, and the best part, tucking you in for bed at night and kissing you on the forehead. 

Grandparents are like chicken soup for the soul. Whenever you're feeling ill or sad, a grandparent knows just exactly what to do to help you. Not only do they instil in us so many life lessons, but they also teach us how to be kind and see the world in a completely different light.

A grandparents' love is endless and what we take with us when they are no longer with us turns into something that truly impacts our lives, our future children's lives, and our future grandchildren's lives. If I'm speaking for myself, some of the life lessons I have learned from my own experience with my beautiful and kind-hearted grandmother are being kind to everyone, being patient, and showing endless love, but the list doesn't end there. 

Lesson 1: Cherish Every Moment

This one just makes sense, but I think something that sticks out for me is how my grandmother made it her mission to always focus on the moment. No matter what we were doing, having dinner at the table, watching a movie together, counting down the seconds before the ball dropped on New Year's Eve, decorating the Christmas tree, or just sitting there and talking, she was always in the moment. 

Lesson 2: Be Kind To Everyone

My grandma was all about being kind to everyone and anyone. Even if that person hurt her, she was kind regardless of the situation. She showed kindness everywhere she went and tried her best to make people feel comfortable in any situation. 

Lesson 3: Be Patient

I will never forget having a conversation with my grandma when I got engaged to my now-husband years ago. After our engagement, we still hadn't gotten married for the years to follow, which made me feel like I was doing something wrong. When I talked to my grandma about it, she said one simple thing, "You will get married when it's time. Give it time." After that, it was instilled in me that something that is meant to happen will, and it did! Patience is all I needed to have. 

Lesson 4: Always Say I Love You 

Never forget to express your love to the people who matter the most, no matter the circumstances. While growing up, no matter how much I gave my grandma attitude or was ignorant to my surroundings, she would always say she loved me regardless of what was happening at that moment. Stuff like that made me realize how crucial it is to acknowledge that the people around you that may be going through pain or struggles still need to hear those three simple words. Those words can change someone's day and someone's perspective.

Lesson 5: It's Never Too Warm For Socks

I'm sure many people can relate to this one, but how many people's grandmothers or grandparents insisted on them wearing socks? Even if it was boiling hot out, it was a huge priority for my grandma to have socks on our feet. She always got upset with my sister and me, even my friends, to put on a pair of socks. It was so important to her that we were warm and comfortable.

Lesson 6: Keep Giving

For a big portion of my grandma's life, she gave back to the community and those who needed it the most. It was important to her to help those in need, and she dedicated herself to those around her. I learned quickly from her that even though my world may feel like it's falling apart, there is someone else going through it harder, worse, and dealing with more and always being thankful for what I have.

Our grandparents greatly influence us, whether we are super close with them or only see them on special occasions. The bond between a child and their grandparents can never be broken.