To most people, grandparents are people you see every so often. Maybe only for holidays, weekly family dinners, or on vacations because they live far away. Some people even think of seeing their grandparents as a chore. Fortunately, I can't relate.
My grandparents, more commonly known as Meema and Papa, have been a huge part of my life since the day I was born. For one thing, they only live about a five-minute drive away, allowing my family and me to see them often. We have an extremely close relationship and I wouldn't trade it for anything. And on top of that, they are the trendiest people you will ever find that don't look a day over 39...wink wink! If you're lucky enough to have grandparents this great, maybe you can relate to some of these things...
1. All your friends know them as well as they know your parents.
Here's a pic from the day Meema took my friends and I out to sushi over spring break.
Lauryn Smith
ALL of my friends know Meema and Papa just as well as they know Jamee and Cory (my parents). My grandparents treat each of my friends as if they are their own grandchildren, such as taking them out to lunch and giving them rides places. They are always involved but in the best way possible.
2. They've been to every game, recital, and show since you were little.
Lauryn Smith
With two parents with full-time jobs since I was young, my grandparents were around for everything. Whether it was picking us up from school (literally up until last year) or taking us to appointments, they never complained about doing it. Even more so was their unconditional support throughout all of our activities. They never missed a basketball game, a dance recital, or a school music show. I am so thankful to have had more people to cheer me on on the sidelines.
3. They've already gone to visit you (and your sibling) in college twice.
Lauryn Smith
I'm sorry but I don't think I can say that any other grandparent has already gone to visit myself as well as my brother who goes to Mizzou twice in college already. Most grandparents haven't even visited their grandchildren once! Getting to show off my school with them has been so much fun for me and I can't wait for them to come back.
4. They *rarely* consult you for technology help.
Ugh Paps is so nice...what a romantic.
Lauryn Smith
Yes, my grandparents both have Facebook and Instagram and are avid texters. They are always up to date on all of the latest technology and I promise you'll be impressed.
5. They stay up-to-date on the latest fashion trends.
Lauryn Smith
Yes, my Meema owns a Nordic Beach. I get hand-me-downs from my grandma. #NoShame
6. If they care about you, you'll definitely know.
Lauryn Smith
My Bubbe and Papa Louie are my father's parents and are sadly no longer around. I was grateful to get to spend my first ten years with my Bubbe who I loved dearly, but my Papa Louie passed away when my father was young and I unfortunately never got to meet him. Even though I wish to have had more time with them and I know how equally amazing they are, my Meema and Papa have taken on the role as the double grandparents, showing up to all of my father's families gatherings as if they were their own. As they tell my father often, he is not their son-in-law, but he is their son, and I think that is truly amazing. My grandparents are truly so kind and caring to everyone they meet, but just don't get on their bad side!
7. They are just as big a foodie as you are.
Always helping me out with food pics for the food Instagram.
Lauryn Smith
T-gosh my grandparents are just as big of a foodie as I am! Many of my adventures with my grandparents consist of going out to eat, and I always consult them about where to go following their nights out with friends. With their "Lettuce Entertain You" membership, we surely get to try out the best restaurants with them. There is also an infamous "list" of establishments that weren't up-to-par.
8. They are never too tired for an adventure.
Lauryn Smith
From late-night pillow fights all the way to recent trips downtown, my grandparents are always down to do something fun with us. My brother and I have even gone on vacations, such as Scottsdale and Cleveland, along with them! We always have the best time going to fun places, but what makes it even more fun is that we just laugh about who knows what. They've even taken us out for drinks...I mean talk about the coolest grandparents ever! As my brother always says, "we could be staring a wall with our grandparents and still have fun." Also, shoutout to Papa for being the biggest Cubbies fan I know.
9. They are known as the "cool" grandparents by all your friends.
Lauryn Smith
As I mentioned before, my grandparents have always been a large part of my life when it comes to my friends. I don't even need to ask because I know that my friends think that they're the coolest and would voluntarily spend time with them. Many of my friends even have my grandparents' phone numbers!
10. They are always there for you no matter what. And they'll never let you forget it.
Lauryn Smith
I remember one time when I was little my mom told me she wanted to get a tattoo. In protest, because I clearly was not a fan of the idea, I screamed, "If you get a tattoo, I'm moving to Meema and Papa's!" I called them up to tell them my idea and they said, "Of course you can live with us. You're our girl." Obviously, my mom did not get that tattoo and I am still living with her but that's beside the point. Even if I was away at school and needed something they would be there in a heartbeat. My grandparents are the most selfless people I know and I am so thankful for their constant reminders that they'll always be here for me.
There are no words to describe how lucky I am to have been blessed with grandparents as great as mine. They are the coolest, trendiest, most supportive people I know and I am so thankful for all they have done for me and all they will continue to do. If you are fortunate to have grandparents, I hope that you make a greater effort to spend time with them as I know they would want nothing more. I am hoping for more healthy and happy years with my grandparents by my side. Love you to pieces Meems and Paps!