Grandparents’ Day

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This coming Sunday, September 11, will be the 21st anniversary of one of our country’s truly darkest days. It’s a somber day, and we reflect on the evil that can sometimes erupt in this world. But while we remember the loss and suffering that hate can bring, we should also remember that the goodness of this world is still overwhelmingly all around us. This Sunday, September 11, also happens to be the 43rd anniversary of “Grandparents’ Day”, and while it may seem out of place in this conversation, that represents exactly the kind of bright beam of love that overpowers the darkness of hate every time. So, here’s to Grandparents and all they mean, on the good days and the bad. Just ask any third grader, like the one who wrote this explanation of what Grandparents really are.

A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own. She likes other people’s little girls.

A grandfather is a man-grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys, and they talk about fishing and tractors and things like that.

Grandmothers don’t have to do anything except be there. They’re old, so they shouldn’t play hard or run.

It is enough if they drive us to the shops where the pretend horse is and have lots of dimes ready. Or, if they take us for walks,

they should never say “Hurry up!”, but they should slow down past things like pretty leaves and caterpillars.

Usually, they are fat but not too fat to tie your shoes. They wear funny underwear and glasses. They can take their teeth and gums off.

It is better if they don’t type-write or play cards except with us.

They don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like “Why don’t dogs like cats?” or “How come God isn’t married?”

They don’t talk baby talk like visitors do because it is too hard to understand.

When they read to us, they don’t skip or mind if it is the same story again.

Everybody should try to have one…especially if you don’t have television, because Grandmas are the only grown-ups who have got time.

- By an unknown third-grader