Lessons I have Learnt From My Grandparents
Two of the wisest people I know
Love is not conditional
Love shouldn’t be hard. You either do or you don’t love someone. I asked my grandad once “what is the key to a long and happy marriage?” His reply was this:
“I don’t know, we just love each other, it’s that simple. Plus I always make her breakfast in bed, I think that helps”
His answer was so simple. Love doesn’t have conditions. It just is. But just in case, there’s always food.
Superheroes do exist
My grandparents can’t fly or swing around New York on spider webs. But they are heroes in the eyes of some. My grandad looked after kids who had no home, who as adults still remember his kindness. My nana was a nurse, saving lives was part of her daily routine. As A kid I always wanted to be around my grandparents, in my eyes they hung the moon and painted the stars, they are and always will be heroes to me.
If you say “I can’t” you have already failed
If you don’t believe you are capable, you won’t succeed. If there is something you want to achieve, the only thing standing between you and success is yourself. Hard work and a positive attitude can make all the difference.
Friendship is just as important as family
My grandparents have had friends as long as they have been married. I remember being around their friends as a child, I called them my aunt and uncle. The friendship was strong and they were always there for each other through thick and thin. They were as good as family. Friendships like that don’t happen for everyone, if you are lucky enough to have a friend like that, cherish them.
Never take things for granted
Nothing lasts forever. Never lose sight of what is important. Enjoy your life while you can, take that trip, buy those new shoes, or see that movie. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.
Take a walk
I grew up in the same area as my grandparents. We were lucky to have a huge forest nearby. Every morning my grandad and his brother took the dogs to the forest. I loved to join them when I could. Being out in nature is good for the body and soul. At 92 he can still climb the stairs I am sure those daily walks contributed to his graceful aging.
Don’t fight what you can’t change
A few years ago my nana was diagnosed with heart failure. Unfortunately at her age, they are unable to operate. She has not let it change the way she lives her life. If she wants to go away for a week, she will. If she wants to go out for a meal, let’s go. She won’t be running a marathon, but she won’t sit back and complain. Life is what it is. Our path needs to be walked, dark times will pass.
I am proud to be their grandchild. No words will ever be enough to tell them how much they mean to me. These are only a few things I have learnt through them. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents like mine, tell them often how much you care
