Fortunately, I have three loving, funny, compassionate, caring, and selfless grandparents who are a major presence in my life. My grandparents are my most favorite people in the world and I know a lot of people feel the same way I do, so here's why.
1. The bond you have with your grandparents is incomparable to anyone else.
Seriously, I'm so close to my grandparents that it's hard to imagine having the same connection with another person and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I'm feeling down, I talk to them because they always know the right thing to say.
2. They can always make you laugh.
My grandparents are a bunch of goofballs in the most wonderful of ways. Maybe it's because they've had years and years to develop their senses of humor, or maybe it's just because they're my grandparents. Whatever the reason, very few other people can make me laugh so hard that I have tears streaming down my face.
3. Your childhood memories with them never ever fade, no matter what.
I have so many times to choose from, but I still vividly recall being pushed by my grandpa on the swing in the summer when I was four years old singing "Old McDonald Had a Farm" and hearing my grandma call down to us when dinner was ready. I'm surprised my grandpa never lost his voice.
Also, I used to love to ride this little tricycle... for about 5 minutes until I wanted to go back inside.
4. They have the best stories.
Now I know grandparents can sometimes get carried away and have the tendency to exaggerate, but I promise you it's worth it to listen. You'll be amazed by how much they remember and how much they've been through. Personally, my grandpa is a Navy veteran and I love hearing about his experiences. I know you're probably thinking that he has told me about the horrible things he saw, but you would be wrong. I've heard stories ranging from UFO sightings to him accidentally calling his commander in the middle of the night, then promptly hanging up on him.
5. No one cooks better than grandma.
Seriously, my grandma's pancakes cannot be beaten or compared to anyone else's cooking. Just don't even argue with me on this one. Tell the five-star Michelin chefs to step aside.
6. When Grandma feels like taking the day off and doesn't want to cook, they take you to restaurants you haven't been to.
Not only is this one of the best ways to bond and have the chance to talk without your phone in your hand, but you all get to eat some good food, too!
7. If they have an accent, it can be so entertaining.
Whether it's a Jersey City accent or a Colombian one, hearing their signature phrases is the best. According to my Abuela, my puppy doesn't pee, she "does peeps."
8. They can get you out of trouble with your parents.
In retrospect, the example I'm about to describe is now funny. When my mom first found out about my tattoo, which my grandma had already known about, she threw my stuff out of the door and then started chasing me around the yard. You know who I called? If you guessed my grandma, you'd be 110% correct. Even though my mom got mad at her, too, it was okay because I had my partner in crime.
9. They can give you some seriously funny blackmail on your parents.
I guarantee you that your grandparents have the best and most ridiculous stories about how your parents tried to sneak out when they were 16, but got caught immediately. Trust me, it's so worth a listen.
10. Playing board games and video games with them is the highlight of your day.
Watching my grandpa try to cheat his way to victory in Scattergories may be some of the funniest experiences I have ever had. My advice to all grandkids- keep an eye on them during competitions!
11. Most importantly, they love you unconditionally.
No matter what you tell them, they don't judge you. They truly want to help you with whatever situation you may have gotten yourself into, and I cannot express enough how grateful I am to have had my grandparents by my side when I needed them most.
If you're as lucky as I am to have a close bond with your grandparents, give them a call to let them know you love them.
