I'm convinced that there is no love out there like the love that comes from grandparents. My grandma has been my favorite person for as long as I can remember. I am certain that her peaceful demeanor, loving touch and kind heart in my world of stress and turmoil as a child is the reason why I remained resilient and have any sort of hope and trust in the world.
I'm sharing a couple of things my grandma has taught me about life. Her words are simple, but the meaning is timeless.
1. How to be thankful
I think it's safe to say two of my grandma's favorite sayings (besides the word 'jackass') are "Make the best with what you have" and "Money doesn't make you happy".
My grandma grew up poor and her family didn't have money for a lot of toys, nice clothes or big trips. Even though she had a tough childhood, she never complains or regrets the way things were. She was thankful for the things she did have and how her experience made her as a person. She was always so imaginative when I was little and made the best games out of nothing. Luckily, her adult life ended up very different, financially. She married my grandfather who worked hard in the foundry and was able to give them a more than comfortable life. However, even though they could afford them, my grandma still never expected extravagant things. Rather, it's the simple, quirky, meaningful things which give her the most joy. She still wakes up every morning and thanks God for the day, for the sun, for her family, and for her life.
2. How to love
My grandma has the patience and heart of an angel. She is humble and soft. She's slow to anger and abundant in kindness. She sees the best in every person and every situation. Most of all, she is forgiving. I truly believe my grandma does not possess the ability to even think about holding a grudge against another person. Her unconditional love and sweet disposition continuously remind me that there is power in gentleness and that the best way to reach people is through love.
3. How to be happy
My grandma was born with a servant's heart. She spent most of her childhood helping her mom with the housework, meals and taking care of the other children but she was not resentful; she loved it. In fact, for a while she thought about becoming a nun. My grandmother believes that the true path to happiness is really two parts. The first is to help others. The second is to have purpose. You don't need money, fame or recognition, but you do need purpose.
I'm not sure what my grandma would say her purpose is in life, but if you ask her grandchildren, I think we'd all agree with my husband who said it best:
"I think your grandma was put on this earth to be a grandmother"
...and I'm so thankful that she is.
