My grandparents, both those still with me and those who have passed away, have had and continue to have an incredible impact on me. You may already know this about me if you read my Halloween article about my grandparents on my mom's side who gave out candy apples to treat-or-treaters every Halloween. My grandparents have taught me numerous important lessons about how to be the best person I can be. Here are 7 of those life lessons.
1. Always put others before yourself
Both sets of my grandparents never once put themselves before others. They always look out for those around them, whether they are close relatives, friends, or even strangers. My grandpa on my mom's side of the family would always help anyone who needed him, especially those who were less fortunate than he was. He would do this in big and small ways, sometimes just by paying for the person behind him on line in the bagel store.
2. Pursue a career you love
I love when my grandpa tells my sister and me stories about his years working as a social studies teacher and dean of a school. Although I'm sure his job couldn't have been easy, he always speaks about it with fond memories because he had the chance to do what he loves. I hope to one day be able to pursue a job that makes me as happy as teaching made him. He has taught me the importance of doing what you love and how much of an impact you can make in your career.
3. Make time for family meals
All of my of grandparents love/loved to host family dinner gatherings. It is always fun to get together with family and catch up, especially when we have not seen each other in a while. Some of my favorite memories are from family dinners, especially those with both sides of my family together.
4. A good laugh cures most things
My grandma definitely continues to teach me how important it is to laugh, as it can truly change your mood around. She always has a riddle or joke ready to tell me and my sister at dinner.
5. ...and so does dessert
No dinner at my grandparents' house is ever complete without (a ton of) dessert. My grandma always has some new type of ice cream or cake for my sister and me to taste, and we've learned to not even try to politely decline her offer.
6. Never forget to remind others about how much you love them
My grandpa reminded me about how much he loved me every single time I saw him. He would even show how much he loved me by spreading his arms as far apart as he could. My grandparents continue to do the same and they'll never hang up the phone without saying how much they love me.
7. Remember to have fun
My grandma on my mom's side always made sure to keep the conversation light and upbeat. She saw the fun in everything and would always find a new toy for me and my sister to play with. She loved scary movies and always encouraged me and my sister to not be afraid by reminding us of how fake they are. ("Don't worry, the blood is only ketchup" etc). She also found fun in trying new foods, especially super spicy or exotic ones.
My grandma on my dad's side continues to do the same as well. I love hearing all her stories about all the adventures that she used to have with her friends when she was younger. She loves playing games with me and my sister whenever we go over their house.
So thanks for everything, Grandma Jo, Grandpa Paul, Grandma Hil, and Grandpa Guy. Thank you for all you've taught me and continue to teach me every day.
