On Sept. 13, we will honor grandparents. This national holiday was proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter in 1979.

“Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to the events and beliefs and experiences that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us,” Carter proclaimed. “Whether they are our own or surrogate grandparents who fill some of the gaps in our mobile society, our senior generation also provides our society a link to our national heritage and traditions.

“We all know grandparents whose values transcend passing fads and pressures and who possess the wisdom of distilled pain and joy.

“Because they are usually free to love and guide and befriend the young without having to take daily responsibility for them, they can often reach out past pride and fear of failure and close the space between generations.”

Grandparents Day was initiated by Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade of West Virginia. She and her husband had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

The legacyproject.org website notes Grandparents Day has three purposes: to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children and to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

At The Great Allentown Fair Sept. 6, I asked grandparents to tell me why they love being a grandparent.

Patti and Wes of Allentown, said they like to spoil their grandchildren.

“It’s neat to see them grow up because it is so different now than when we were growing up,” Wes said. “We had the depression. There are more challenges now.”

“I love watching my grandson grow,” Roseanne of Staten Island, N.Y. said. “Being a grandparent gives me a good fulfillment all around.

“He makes me very happy.”

Lenny and Trudy of Whitehall look at their grandchildren and wonder where the years went.

“I see their achievements and the opportunities they have we never had,” Lenny said.

Also at the fair, I asked young folks what made their grandparents so special. The answers did not surprise me.

They included spoiling, playing, babysitting, extra treats, spending time with them and making them feel safe.

For me, I have only fond memories of my grandparents.

My grandfather took me fishing and patiently attempted many times to teach me to dive into a pool.

They also had a playhouse in the backyard of their home which provided many happy memories for my sister and me.

And, I remember my grandmother always cutting fresh peaches for my cereal when I would stay at her house.

When I told my grandmother I wanted a pen pal, she became my pen pal calling herself “Bessie.”

We sent letters back and forth and I was always excited to receive a letter from her.

My own parents have played a huge role in their grandchildren’s lives. They helped my sister by picking up the kids when they were sick and watching them if my nieces could not go to school.

My parents taught both of my children how to ride a bike without the training wheels.

I took both boys and their bikes to their home and when I picked up the boys, they were so excited to show me what they could do.

I would say patience played a big part in helping the boys achieve their goals and build their confidence.

“The best part of being a grandparent is the memories made with each of the grandchildren,” my mother said.

Children are mentored in my church by very caring “grandparents” who always seem to have a moment to listen.

Grandparents also go into our schools helping in the classrooms and reading to the students.

The things we remember and hope our children will remember only take time, patience and kindness on the part of very special individuals.

Let’s encourage our children to thank a “grandparent” in their lives.

These “grandparents” may never know the impact they have made in helping to mold the character and morals of future generations.

If you have the time, share a memory of your grandparents on our Facebook page.

I would love to read them.

Debbie

Galbraith

editor East Penn Press

Salisbury Press