NANA SAYS IT TAKES TIME TO SUPPORT THE GRANDCHILDREN

Families keep us busy. The children grow up and there is time to return to adult activities. When the grandchildren come along, one either agrees to be part of their lives or continue to be busy otherwise. While driving for 1/2 hour to go to see our granddaughter dance in one of her dance competitions last weekend, it became apparent that there is an effort needed to be made. She wanted us to see her. It meant something to her. A quick picture with grandpa outside the venue and the drive home. Adolph even mentioned he missed one morning of gardening. Children grow up so quickly. Grandchildren even faster. A reminder that we as grandparents are important in their lives, knowing there will come a day that they will prefer to be with their friends and we will be just some old people boring to be around! Or will we be? Making an effort and actually enjoying the time with the children establishes a relationship. In my work at the hospital, I have had the honour of meeting many families including grandchildren that are there supporting their elderly family member. When one of those people passes away, there is real genuine grief at the loss. Life as we know it can be a circle! Like most things in life there is effort and work! Little ones are demanding, noisy and often even annoying but I would not have it any other way! Just glad they are in these grandparents' lives!