Here we are in the midst of a terrible drought, having just returned from Arizona where Robert was pinned as a Colonel in the United States Air Force, and experiencing a heatwave unlike any we have witnessed before. But, at least we still have our freedom! God Bless America! Fallout from the COVID-19 Pandemic improved for a bit but since has resurfaced due to a different variant and many have gone back to wearing masks. They are mandatory at the airport and other places.
Our grandchildren are each struggling in different ways, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We pray that they will be able to get through these difficult times and find happiness. I recently started a blog called “Pacific Tales” which is on Spotify and Anchor. I have shared some of our experiences when we lived in the South Pacific. There are about 28 episodes. Then I decided to start another podcast entitled “Enabling the Neurodiverse” with the hope it will help someone out there suffering from the stigma and prejudice from living in a neurotypical world. I have been going through my own dilemma as of late trying to come to grips with my own neurodiverse diagnosis. I am so grateful for a Savior who conquered all.
I love my grandchildren so much and yet they have wonderful parents who have been given the important task of raising them. They are all working together to fulfil this great assignment the Lord has bestowed upon them. As grandparents, there are a few lessons we can teach our grandchildren that will supplement what their parents are teaching them.
Ancestors
I can teach them about their ancestors, about their heritage, family traditions, and characteristics of their forefathers. I can assure them that family is important and they they will always have a support system including siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles. This will help them build bonds and engender unconditional love. I can share pictures and journals of ancestors and encourages my grandchildren to keep their own journal for posterity. I can help to arrange family reunions where families share traditions, recipes and important facts which will help children feel connected to something much bigger than themselves. We can reminisce about the past and impart stories that will be shared for generations. Grandchildren learn endurance, patience, courage, and sacrifice in ways that are truly personal when shared by their grandparents.
Life
I can help grandchildren see that life isn’t always easy and fairness is relative. I can advise them to appreciate all they have been given and to take care of it. Preparing them to see other people’s perspective and try to help them when able not to be wasteful but to be resourceful. Also, I can teach them to be self-reliant to help them throughout their lives. My personal examples of times of struggles will help them overcome their own. Coaching them in good sportsmanship will help them see that they do not always need to win and that they can turn unfair situations into opportunities for growth.
Sorrow
Grandchildren can learn about death, sickness, and loss from grandparents. They can learn to be good listeners and learn what not to say to someone who is mourning or dealing with terminal illness. Crying is okay, but it is not good to wallow in sorrow. Learning to forgive others is hard, but it is necessary and also important is to not judge others. Be kind to those with disabilities and have empathy for those who are depressed and be aware of the less fortunate and build them up.
Happiness
Happiness is a choice. Attitude is very important. Do not take themselves too seriously. Worrying steals precious time. Cultivate true friendship with those that influence for good. Set realistic goals and do their best, but do not compete with anyone but themselves. Being perfect is overrated. Relationships are more important than possessions.
Respect
Respect your parents and any older people including teachers. Honor those who fight for their freedom and safety, including military personnel and police. Show admiration for those who have achieved instead of being envious. Be courteous to nurses, store clerks, janitors, or other service people. Teach them about chivalry and how to offer their seat or let someone go before them. Respect another person’s property. Esteem those of other races, cultures, traditions and religions. Share warmth with others and they will return it. Have respect for rules to stay safe and be good examples to others. Have tolerance for those who have differing opinions.
That is enough for now. In the next post I will list more lessons that we as grandparents can teach our grandchildren. I hope that I will be able to be a good example of these attributes so I can teach by action rather than words.
