Beech Tree News Network

I have often thought that Grandparents’ Day might have been established due to an underlying economic motivation. However, Susan Adcox explained that “Grandparents Day is a day for celebrating the connections between the generations, and its origin was decidedly noncommercial” (http://grandparents.about.com/od/celebrations/f/Purpose-of-Grandparents-...). Grandparents’ Day is a national observance, but not a federal holiday. This year, it will be celebrated next Sunday, September 7.

Grandparents' Day has been celebrated in the United States since 1978. The National Grandparents’ Day statute resulted from the work of two committed people: Jacob Reingold and Marian McQuade (http://grandparentsday.org/about/). Our Congress passed the legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents' Day and, on August 3, 1978, the proclamation was signed by then-President Jimmy Carter. The official U.S. National Grandparents’ Day flower is the forget-me-not. But, since this flower blooms in the spring, it’s not usually a gift for Grandparents’ Day.

Many countries also celebrate a Grandparents’ Day on various days of the year. Those countries celebrating in some way include: Australia, Canada, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Singapore, South Sudan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grandparents_Day).  

I certainly loved and respected my grandparents, especially my maternal grandmother. She was my last living grandparent and has been gone for 26 years. She demonstrated unconditional love for her family in so many ways, and she greatly influenced my life. I can still recall her image and voice – especially when some of her sage advice surfaces in my memory. She wasn’t perfect, but her kindness compensated for any flaws she may have possessed.

So, next Sunday, we’ll celebrate Grandparents’ Day. As Desmond Tutu said, “You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them” (http://www.quotegarden.com/gp-day.html). I am very thankful for my “gifts.” And, if my grandchildren choose to give me something, I want a noncommercial gift, such as a homemade card or handwritten note for my refrigerator. I like seeing my treasures displayed.