For me, it was my maternal grandfather. He loved gardening, digging his hands into the earth and making things grow. He always let me root around in his vegetable garden, took me on walks through the woods near his home, pointing out birds and nests. The only time I was completely at peace was during my childhood was when I was with him. I was 17 when he died but I was by his side at the hospital and the last words he spoke were to me so I have that joy to carry me through life. I paid this forward with my granddaughter and with whom I have an unconditional loving relationship. I send a letter to her at university every week (yes, old fashioned letter writing) and she told me last week that she looks forward to fetching it and having it in her hands to read it. You are spot on, Janine. Grandparents can often offer what parents cannot. Thank you for helping us all recall how special they can be.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Heather. It's so wonderful you have been able to pay it forward with your granddaughter. I love that she looks forward to your snail mail. Letters are so special. 💜
Yes, to embrace ourselves as we are important. I do believe that everybody has a visual and hidden power. So these power we should use it to serve aims.
I can so relate to being seen and heard by grandparents. It always felt like a free space to just let loose and as you write Janine, without judgement.
I find that so interesting Pete, that our grandparents could see us but not our parents. Perhaps it's their role of being one step removed that they could just love without worry. Interesting thing to ponder.
For me, it was my maternal grandfather. He loved gardening, digging his hands into the earth and making things grow. He always let me root around in his vegetable garden, took me on walks through the woods near his home, pointing out birds and nests. The only time I was completely at peace was during my childhood was when I was with him. I was 17 when he died but I was by his side at the hospital and the last words he spoke were to me so I have that joy to carry me through life. I paid this forward with my granddaughter and with whom I have an unconditional loving relationship. I send a letter to her at university every week (yes, old fashioned letter writing) and she told me last week that she looks forward to fetching it and having it in her hands to read it. You are spot on, Janine. Grandparents can often offer what parents cannot. Thank you for helping us all recall how special they can be.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Heather. It's so wonderful you have been able to pay it forward with your granddaughter. I love that she looks forward to your snail mail. Letters are so special. 💜
Yes, to embrace ourselves as we are important. I do believe that everybody has a visual and hidden power. So these power we should use it to serve aims.
I can so relate to being seen and heard by grandparents. It always felt like a free space to just let loose and as you write Janine, without judgement.
Great point Janine. Also I think unconditional love played a big part of it too.
For sure. Since they don't have the same responsibility as parents, they can love unconditionally.
I find that so interesting Pete, that our grandparents could see us but not our parents. Perhaps it's their role of being one step removed that they could just love without worry. Interesting thing to ponder.