In 1970, a West Virginia housewife, Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, the mother of 15 children, 40 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren, initiated a campaign to set aside a special day just for Grandparents so that we can honor our grandparents, can give our grandparents the opportunity to show their love for their grand children, and for the grandchildren to become aware of the value that their grandparents can provide with their skills and knowledge.   In 1978, the United States Congress passed legislation proclaiming the first Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day. The legislation was signed by President Jimmy Carter. The month of September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the "autumn years" of life. 

September 7, 2008 is National Grandparents Day.  Take the time to celebrate with your family and honor your elders.  I never had a chance to be with my grandmothers because they were deceased when I was born.  I didn’t have an opportunity to learn and grow from them.  Only one of my grandfathers was alive when I was born and he lived in another part of the country from us and I only remember him speaking Polish.   

I, however; have adopted my husband’s grandmother, we call her Granny.  Interestingly, my mom and his grandmother are the same age, but I never thought of Granny like a mom, always a grandmother.  Granny has so much wisdom to bestow and has so much to share with the entire family. It’s hard to see Granny age.  It seems like just the other day when I met her.  Granny’s oldest son, was burned in a fire at home and was in the local burn unit.  My husband I went every day to see Granny during our lunch hour. 

At that time, I had no idea she would become my Granny, but we formed a life-long bond. Granny and I have become close over the past 11 years since I met her.  She has been through the death of her son, the law suits over her son’s estate, the deaths of all her brothers and sisters, and her own failing health issues.  She is still corner stone of the family. 

Sorry, I have rambled, but my point is taking the time on Sunday, September 7, 2008 and show your love to your grandparents or and your children’s grandparents.  You don’t have to spend any money on them, if you don’t want to, but at least pick up the phone and give them a call and tell them you love them!