If you are lucky enough to still have your grandparents in your life like I am, then would it really hurt you to reach out to them every now and then? Let me tell you something, no, it would not.

In my experience, I have been incredibly blessed to have both my maternal grandmother and grandfather in my life since day one. Now I know that this is probably not the case for most, but let me share my experience with you in hopes of encouraging you to reach out to your own grandparents or a figure of the sorts that has impacted you.

I have always said that my grandparents are my favorite people in the world right after my mother and that statement will stand true until the day I die. They have been a second set of parents to me and have sacrificed so much for my family and me. I have the utmost respect for them and love them unconditionally.

Before I moved away for college, I saw my grandparents nearly every day. Because of that, I am fortunate enough to have a really strong bond with both of them and I am eternally grateful to have that connection. My grandmother is my second mom, and I know that I can come to her for advice, an energizing hug or a hot meal after a long day at school or work. She is a seamstress, and she has sewn every dress I have ever worn. She has also taught me so many home remedies that have saved my life and my roommate’s now that we are on our own.

My grandfather is a saint sent to me personally from God. I do not think I will ever love a man as much as I love my grandfather. He has been the one constant father figure in my life and has taught me so much about life. He built me my very own swing set when I was four years old, and I give him all credit for teaching me everything possible about sports. He also helped me expand my relationship with the Catholic church; when I was younger I would wake up early and go to mass with him at 7 a.m. every Sunday, just me and him.

Now that I am older and way from home for the majority of the year, I do not see my grandparents that often and I have to rely on phone calls and the occasional facetime session to talk to them. I will be the first to admit that I have been slacking in keeping in touch with them. However, I do think that if we all just take at least five minutes of our time to call our grandparents or someone that we care about, that will make all the difference.

The last thing I would wish to do is make my grandparents feel like I have forgotten about them because I have not. So make that time to reach out to them and talk to them, even if it is just to say a quick “hello” on your way to class. Your grandparents love you and wish only the best for you. I promise it will mean so much to them and it will brighten up your day as well.

Los quiero mucho abuelitos!