Grandma and Grandpa. Nana and Papa. Oma and Opa. We have many terms of endearment for our grandparents. Aside from our own parents, many grandparents have had more of an impact on our lives than any human being. Often, grandparents have been THE MOST important people in our lives.
September 13 is International Grandparents Day, and this month’s corner is devoted to these extraordinary folks.
In my household as a child, grandparents were very present. My Oma lived in the house next door to ours, and she eventually moved in with me and my parents. My Nanny and Poppy (my maternal grandparents) lived within a ten-minute drive. I would see them once or twice a week. My parents made sure that I did my chores, finished my homework, and remained an all-around, well-behaved kid. My grandparents, on the other hand, were responsible for spoiling me. 😊
My grandparents were also full of something else: spare time and wisdom. While my parents were busy rearing me and my sister, working, and paying the bills, my grandparents were at another stage of life. They were retired and had an abundance of time to spend with me. They offered great lessons from their past, including a way to make my parents seem relatable. My grandparents were always good at telling stories about my mom and Dad—stories that my parents would prefer I did not know. My grandparents did not have the same stresses as my parents, so they were able to bring a sense of calm to any situation or offer a less emotional response than my mom and Dad when I got myself into trouble.
Many Primacare Companions clients are grandparents. They have lived long, full lives and, as some would say, have “seen it all.” Time may have taken away some physical abilities and, at times, some mental sharpness. Still, despite these limitations, grandparents are deeply loved and appreciated for their unique perspective on life.
Our relationships with grandparents are often less complicated than our relationships with parents. It is for this reason that we celebrate grandparents this month. They are often our biggest advocates and the ones who will slip us money for an ice cream cone when our parents tell us, “No!” 😊
To all grandparents out there, even when life takes its toll on your bodies, remember that you are valued. Primacare Companions desire to help your beloved grandparents live their best life. They deserve it for all the love and support that they have poured into us.
If you or a loved one could benefit from dependable support, the caring team at Primacare Companions is here to help. We provide trusted, compassionate in-home care in Baltimore, MD, designed to support comfort, confidence, and independence every day. Call us today at (410) 988-NURS(6877) to learn more about how we can assist your family.
Primacare Companions proudly serves Baltimore, Catonsville, Halethorpe, Owings Mills, Reisterstown, Linthicum, Arbutus, Columbia, Ellicott City, Hanover, and surrounding areas, delivering courteous, consistent, and compassionate support wherever you call home.
