Dear Grandchildren

Dear Grandchildren,

It's time to talk. This may not apply to everyone, but it's important. How often do you call your grandparents? When was the last time you sent them a card that wasn't for their birthday or respected holiday? How many times do they cross your mind?

With Mother's Day coming up, it is time to give recognition to other special people in our lives: our grandparents. Without our grandparents, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't have unconditional love. Our parents wouldn't have the examples of what parents should be. We wouldn't have family traditions. We wouldn't have extended family to share our special moments with. What would we do without our grandparents?

Growing up, my grandparents played a special role in my life. They were both parents and grandparents, so that made my life a little more interesting around Mother and Father's Day. But regardless, they were always there sharing my special moments with me. From awards ceremonies to basketball games to dance recitals, they were always there front and center cheering me on. My fondest memories as a child consist of riding around in my grandpa's old GMC truck listening to classic country and eating candy corn. With my grandma, she always took me to Chick-fil-a, and we would spend the duration of our lunch people-watching and making up stories. It's quirky memories like that that make my childhood that much sweeter.

This year has been rough for my family and I. Last February, my grandmother (one of the healthiest members of our family) had a stroke. While we were lucky that her stroke was minor, we began to realize how fleeting time can be. On Christmas Eve this year, my grandfather had to have emergency surgery and was in ICU recovering. Christmas has always been our favorite holiday as a family. I aways spend it with my grandparents, and we have various special traditions. However, this year was somber as we spent most of our time in waiting rooms and hospital parking lots. Now, as I reflect back on the year our family has had, I count my blessings twice because I still have a little more time with my family.

So, hug their necks a little bit more. Pick up the phone and call to check in on them. There's no one else in the world that they would love to hear from. There is still time to make memories with them. Be thankful for all the time you have with them.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't call my grandparents or communicate via email. Just knowing that they are still on the other end of the line warms my heart. I'm thankful every day I can spend with them or talk to them. So grandchildren, make the effort and make memories. You will be thankful you took the time to make someone happy.