Every grandma is unique and can be defined in ways other than “grandma.” But this article is to grandchildren who do not see and appreciate their grandmas. Maybe you think they are annoying or slow. Well, every grandma has a specialty and a lot of grandmas share certain qualities. For instance, does your grandma cook or bake? Baking is difficult and the reward is short-lived. When your grandma bakes you a cake, she is putting in hours of work to make you happy and having to measure and time and worry all along the way. On top of that, when you eat a cake your grandma made you sometimes it is gone so fast no one remembers to thank her.

Alternatively, maybe your grandma likes playing games. If you have ever played cards or Rummikub with your grandma, you might know that she is really good at it or might suspect that she lets you win. In any case, it is a leap of faith to play a game with a grandchild because there is no knowing who will win and whether or not the child will cry. But many grandmas still take on the challenge of playing games with grandchildren despite the risk.

One thing most grandmas are very good at is remembering birthdays. I know that both of mine send birthday cards without fail. Well many grandmas have upwards of a dozen grandchildren whose birthdays they must remember. This is a feat of strength and coordination. One small card may not seem like a big deal to you when you get it every year but notice how every one of your cousins receives one too, and sometimes aunts and uncles and second cousins as well.

Perhaps you feel like your grandma is not smart because she cannot understand how to use a smart phone. It is not true that she is dumb or slow because she cannot keep up with advanced technology. Over the course of your grandma’s lifespan she has seen so many changes in lifestyle and inventions that it would be like you trying to operate and understand a mimeograph machine. If you do not even know what a mimeograph machine does, then now you understand how your grandma feels about smart phone apps. Ask her what a mimeograph machine does and then try to empathize with her situation when it comes to smart phones. The fact that she is even trying to learn email and texting means she cares deeply about communicating with you.

In fact, you should listen to your grandma more often in general. She undoubtedly has many stories to tell which will interest you. Maybe she travelled when she was younger and met new people and learned fascinating facts. Think of it this way, you are travelling now with the hopes that you will have stories to tell your grandchildren, yes? Well there is no use in having travel stories if no one slows down enough to hear them. So start by listening to your grandma so that someday your grand kids will listen to you.

I am not going to say you should respect and listen to your grandmother because she will not be around much longer. Because you should respect and listen to your grandmother no matter what because she is a human being making her way in the world who will hopefully be around for a long time more. This is something to keep in mind; you should treat others with respect, not because you fear hell, you should treat them with respect because respecting others makes everyone happy. So write your grandma a letter or email her and keep in touch. Show her that you value her and love her.