10 life secrets my kids are learning from their grandparents
As National Grandparents Day fades into the distance, I compelled to pay homage to the amazing role models my parents have been for my children. At 90 and 85, even with the anguish of Alzheimer Disease in the mix, my parents debunk the theory that couples who have babies late in life are robbing their children of a meaningful relationship with their grandparents.
Rather than drone on about how and why my parents, also known as Papa and Zsa Zsa, rock in so many different ways, I going to try to nail down the important life secrets I am guessing they might be teaching my girls, simply by being the fabulous couple they are michael kors outlet canada one.
I constantly overhearing my parents giggling, even roaring with laughter, and I wonder to myself the heck could be still so funny after living on this crazy earth all these years? number 2:Experiences are much better than things.
My parents have never been the type who shower their grandchildren with gifts. They give presents on birthdays and on Christmas and buy the occasional book when Isla is whining at the bookstore, but that it. I am so thankful for this. Especially when I see the rooms filled with giant, pink, stuffed animals other parents have to contend with. But, my parents are always game to pull out the wallet for day trips to interesting places or sporting events, etc.
Secret, number 3: If you can, choose a mate with whom you can talk and laugh, and enjoy each other company, every day, even after 59 years of marriage.
Of course, this is easier said than done, since future happiness and spouse compatibility is subject to many variables over time. But, however they did it, my parents hit the jackpot when they found and chose to commit to each other. Their love is steadfast, and enviable, to this day.
This lesson comes from my mom, a gluttonous reader. She demonstrates, daily, just how amazing books are in their ability to transport you anywhere you like to go while you enjoy the comfort of your living room. Reading is a lifetime activity. You never outgrow, or get too old for, reading.
Secret, number 5: Say love you, a lot michael kors outlet canada one.
This lesson comes from my dad. In his old age, and especially with his Alzheimer he become extra demonstrative. He tells me and my kids he loves us, every time he sees us, and not just once. And he never lets my mother forget how much he adores her. With the gradual, inevitable stripping away of his memories and all that is short term and superfluous, he is left with one enduring certainty: He loves and feels loved michael kors outlet canada one.
Secret, number 6: Be grateful for all that you have.
While my mom is never one to complain, it my father who never fails to remind anyone who listening just how lucky he is to have what he has and see what he seeing michael kors outlet canada one. Every day is amazing, every tree is majestic, each cloud is the most beautiful cloud, every blue sky is the most glorious blue sky he ever laid eyes on in his entire lifetime.
Secret, number 7: There rarely ever need to be dramatic.
My mom is the anti drama queen. She cannot be easily fussed. You can feel it when you walk into a room with her in it. Everything is going to be okay michael kors outlet canada one. When I think of how her life must have felt sometimes, with 4 kids under 5 and a dying mother all under one roof, and her husband working 12 hour days, I cannot imagine how it possible no one recollects her ever being bitchy michael kors outlet canada one. Ever. Then I was born, giving her five kids in all. Still no drama. None.
Secret, number 8: Turn off the TV if you not watching it.
I count my blessings every day that my parents house is peaceful, quiet and free of background TV noise whenever we visit. Unless, of course, the Nightly News with Brian Williams, or Jeopardy is on.
Secret, number 9: You never too old to go swimming.
The sight of my 90 year old mother floating, weightless and happy, in the lake just two days ago with my 8 year old and my dog splashing around her, made me feel as if there are no limits to what you can do with a healthy body and a willing heart. And then there the promise of a nightly bourbon. Just one.
Secret, number 10: If you can avoid it, never sleep alone.
I won go into detail, but I sure my mom would get better sleep if she had her own room. But, after 59 years of sharing a bed with my dad, I not sure that will ever happen. And, as testament to their laid back demeanor, their bedroom, and bed, is open to all creatures great and small.
My parents married when I was 13 months and divorced 9 months later but my grandparents have been married now about 57 years michael kors outlet canada one. My grandparents love each other but drive each other a bit crazy. They are always willing to do things with my kids when we are around (we live 1000 miles apart) and were a huge part of my life growing up, they helped raise me, when my dad had to work second or third shift I lived with them till I was old enough to stay by myself. My mom is around when it convenient for her but in recent years has been better about coming over when she will be in town but doesn ever take the kids to do anything. My dad lives in Florida and I in Iowa, he comes to visit twice a year and can always be counted on to do things with the kids and take them places. He taking one out for breakfast in the morning since she doesn have preschool on Wednesday and the other on Saturday since he in school during the week michael kors outlet canada one. My other half dad moved to Oregon and we haven seen him in almost 2 years. He my grandparents age and before moving away was never able to do much with the kids.
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