On Oct 2nd in the UK we have Grandparents Day.
For many it will be a day of reflections and for some of celebration.
If you are looking for uplifting and positive words about grandparents take a look at my blog I wrote recently.
https://bristolgrandparentssupportgroup.co.uk/blog/grandparents-light-shining-through/
I am not sure what I think about a day specifically for grandparents.
I know as a grandparent of four grandchildren, just being a grandparent is in itself just so magical and special, I don’t need a day to remind me.
As I have written before the moment I held my eldest grandchild in my arms was incredible and so emotive, I was quite shocked at the enormity of my response, I literally fell in love all over again. There was this tiny little person looking up at me with huge blue eyes full of expectation. Just reliving that moment makes me shiver.
Of course I had no idea that the path to follow was going to be so painful, as we became estranged from this precious person.
For seven years we built memories and it was those memories that sustained me, through the darkest of days.
Whatever the future held, those beautiful times would never leave me.
As you will know after 11 years our granddaughter came back in to our lives, the last piece of the jigsaw firmly back in place.
For those who are still facing the difficult times of unjustified estrangement, they will not be celebrating on Sunday, but will be thinking about lost time and those desperate feelings of emptiness, as they endure this living bereavement. There are no words of comfort that I can give, other than, I do know how you are feeling, I do understand and you don’t have to explain.
At BGSG we are always here, at the end of the phone, email, Facebook, Twitter, and always happy to Zoom or Skype anyone who needs support, Our hands are always here to steady you and we will walk along side of you.
Thank you to Jo Frost for her words:
Grandparents are indeed golden, they are special members of our unique family that for many in today’s modern world co – care, support the family structure and help in the raising of their grandchildren, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically.
They hold an energy that has tested time, an experience that is wise and patient a grace that is empathetic and loving, a security that is comforting to a young soul.
They tell stories and have a wealth of knowledge and history about their tribe and the world around us that can bring a sense of true belonging and understand.
They are a true example of what a spoon full of sugar and a pinch of resilience means in this world that seems to be changing rapidly in this fast paced world – Jo Frost
Global Parenting & Family Expert.
For all grandparents all over the world, hold your grandchildren especially tightly the next time you see them, be delighted with a card from your grandchildren made with such love and care, and above all else, just love them.
THE TRUSTED OAK TREE
They are the centre of so many lives, Standing firm like a trusted oak tree That’s stood the test of time,
With roots running deep
And branches extended
To embrace a whole family.
So many depend on them.
Like the birds who come to build their homes, The insects who forage in the mud,
And the squirrels who climb right up
To find some solace while they eat
their newly found nuts.
This is a place of peace and comfort.
Like a pair of old slippers, it’s familiar and warm.
You can sit for hours beneath this tree Pondering life,
Or spending a moment with a special someone Etching your names in the wood,
Carving out your shared memories.
For these are the grandparents: The centrepiece of any family.
Or so it should be.
On whom so many depend: Brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, in-laws and grandchildren
Look to their wise elders
for guidance and love.
And when a family is united in this way We can weather any storm.
The leaves may blow away But the tree remains firm, Each ring marking the years That the family has shared.
We are rooted together; Nothing will shake us.
Jenni
©
A poem from our ‘Never Forgotten’ book.
