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Three Life Lessons I Hope My Kids Learned from Their Grandfather
The rain was just a mild inconvenience on a recent evening. It was nothing compared to the downpour from earlier, when visibility was nearly zero. I could have easily pulled into the school parking lot and hurried inside with my daughter and husband for the sports banquet, probably moving faster than the sporadic raindrops. Instead, I paused at the cafeteria door and told my daughter, Mia, and my husband to head in without me. I would find my own way.
“This is what Grandpa would have done,” I told Mia, our 16-year-old.
Grandpa passed away last spring. Mia and her younger brother Jake, who’s 14, are old enough to have seen his kindness firsthand, but I worry they need reminders. Today, on Grandparents Day, I feel that urgency even more. It’s their first time celebrating without him, and now there are three grandparents instead of four.
Our kids are wonderful—smart, fun, and loving. But like all teenagers, they can be a bit self-absorbed, stubborn, and moody. Grandpa’s battle with lung cancer lasted 16 months and included multiple treatments and hospital stays. I want something meaningful to emerge from that experience for my teens. So, beyond driving them around like I did for the banquet, I hope they carry these three lessons:
1. Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go!
Grandpa would shout “LGLGLG!” every Saturday morning as he rallied us for errands. He’d stand in our cozy living room, bursting with enthusiasm, ready to take on the day and give Grandma a break. He whipped up breakfast—usually pancakes or scrambled eggs—and tackled chores with a smile. Nothing seemed to weigh him down; it was all about family time. I want my kids to understand the positive energy that Grandpa exuded, even when he was exhausted.
2. Enjoy Every Bite
Whenever my parents visited, we indulged in Alaskan king crab legs, a tradition Grandpa loved. He would buy a hefty six pounds, steam them, and set up a feast with melted butter and cocktail sauce. The table would be covered in newspaper, and while Mia would struggle to crack open the legs, Jake enjoyed his McDonald’s instead. Grandpa had a knack for sharing, often giving his best pieces to Grandma, but he never missed out on enjoying every last bit himself. He taught us to be thorough, strong, and determined, even in the simplest tasks.
3. Spread Kindness
Grandpa had a unique way of blessing those around him. He’d say “bless you” not just after sneezes but for just about any bodily noise. I would roll my eyes as a teenager, thinking it was unnecessary. But after he passed, I realized he meant it every time. His blessings were intentional, and they made me feel appreciated. One evening, Mia surprised me by saying she was going to make tea, reminding me of Grandpa’s nightly ritual of asking Grandma what she wanted. It was his way of spreading love and kindness, and I hope she understands that too.
As we celebrate Grandparents Day, let’s cherish the lessons from those we love. If you have grandparents still in your life, make sure they know you’re listening too. And if you’re exploring family-building options, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy.
In summary, I hope my kids carry forward the spirit of their grandfather: to embrace life with enthusiasm, appreciate every moment, and always be kind.
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