Over fall break I went back home and was able to see my grandparents, which inspired this article. Each time I go home and see them again, I remember just how much I miss them. My grandparents have lived on the same street as me my whole life, so I always saw a lot of them ever since I was little.
Along with them living so close, they always wanted to spend time with me and my brother. They took us on trips to the beach, vacations, out to eat, etc. Watching me and my brother grow up was a highlight of their daily lives.
But as I got a bit older (around those cringe-worthy middle school years) I got busier and lazier and didn’t see them as much. I spent more time sleeping and at school than I did with them. These are the years I like to refer to as my “wasted years.” I didn’t realize how lucky I was that my support system extended beyond my parents, and I didn't realize just how close they were — I didn't take advantage of the fact that I could go to them when I needed advice. But as soon as I hit high school, I corrected those wrongs. Around this time, I started spending more time with my grandparents and helping them in any way I could. I realized just how cool my grandparents are and how much I loved being around them.
Now that you have the background, here’s some reasons why they’re so awesome:
They are insane.
My grandparents aren’t those classic T.V. grandparents with boring lives, the ones who just make dinner and read the newspaper. They are genuinely insane. Most recently, they went on a cruise and my grandmother told me the whole point was to push my grandfather overboard and finally have some rest.
They are still children.
For Christmas last year, I bought my grandfather a toy slingshot set. Once we opened it, he started hitting my grandmother with the foam balls, which she ended up hiding from him. But better yet, at a family picnic last summer, my grandmother started a water fight by throwing an ice cube down my grandfather shirt and then chasing him around with more.
They're selfless.
They really would do anything for anyone. Throughout my life, I’ve seen them sacrifice so much to be able to help my family, and they expect nothing in return.
They support me.
Hearing I was going to New York for college (a 4.5-hour drive from my hometown) wasn’t the best news anyone in my family could hear. But, along with my parents, they were thrilled to see me following my dreams. Just over break they asked to see the writing I’ve been doing for The Odyssey and the Sherlock fan video I made (yes I know I’m trash). After I showed them, they acted like I had won a Nobel Prize. They were so proud of me and happy for me that I couldn’t help but smile.
I could go on for pages about why they're astounding or all the ways in which they amaze me, but I don’t have to. We all get it — they're the best. Grandmom and Pop, you two have helped mold me into the person I am today, and I can’t wait to see your faces when you read this article. I love you both, and I’ll see you soon enough.
