There's no doubt that family is the best. There's nothing out there that can even touch the love of a grandparent.
Grandparents though, they do it all. They are the roots of the family and they have laid the frame work for what will always be such an important part of life. Especially around the holidays, I find it important to be thankful for my grandparents because after all, they have formed the foundation of my family and made it possible for all of us to come together and celebrate.
Grandparents are able to share this unconditional love with their grandchildren that makes us feel like we are the greatest thing since sliced bread. Not that parents don't do that, but the love between grandparents and their grandchildren is so simple.
They teach us humility. Since they're not our actual parents, it becomes easier to talk and listen to them. It's amazing the things my grandparents have experienced in their life and when they share those stories with me and share how they overcame many obstacles, I sudden am more willing to listen.
They're also wise and knowledgable. As a result, they are able to share that wisdom and knowledge with the entire family. There is no greater judgement to acknowledge than that of such an experienced and loving relative.
One of the greatest lessons they teach us may be about empathy. Sometimes it's nice to get a different perspective than just our parents. They teach us to step into another persons shoes and view any situation from another persons point of view and that is such an important perspective to observe. In return, this helps us with the development of our emotional intelligence which is so important at a young age.
And don't even get me started on when grandma cooks. If you ever walk into your grandparents house not hungry at all, be prepared to still walk out of there completely stuffed as if you just finished your Thanksgiving Day dinner. After being at college, there is nothing I crave more than one of my grandma's home cooked meals.
If I ever need a confidence booster, I know they're just a phone call away. They are instantly able to make me feel like a responsible, young adult with a bright future. That little bit of confidence and motivation that they are able to provide is indescribable at times. Especially times when it seems like college is just too overwhelming and the thought of life after college is practically impossible.
Grandparents are the best. I'm fortunate enough to be blessed with two sets that teach me, comfort me, protect me and most importantly, spoil me. God must have been working really hard and feeling extra generous when he made grandparents because they are truly a blessing and a half.