It was Grandfather’s birthday. He was seventy –nine years old!

He got up early, shaved, showered, combed his hair and put on the best clothes he had so he would look nice when they came. He skipped his daily walk to the town coffee shop where he usually had coffee every day with some of his old friends. He wanted to be home when they came. He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could have a better view of the street when they arrived in their cars to help him celebrate his birthday.

At noon he was tired but decided not to take his nap so he could be there when they came. Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called. He has five married children, thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One son and daughter live within 15 kilometers of his home. They hadn’t visited him for a long time. But today was his birthday, and they were sure to come. At suppertime he left the cake untouched on the dining room table so they could cut it and have some dessert with him. After supper he sat on the porch waiting. At 8:30 he went to his room to prepare for bed. Before climbing into his bed, he left a note on his door saying, “Be sure to wake me up when you come.”

It was Grandfather’s birthday. He was seventy-nine years old!

Do you have grandparents? Do you realize how much they want a letter from you, a visit, a hug and kiss? I know – you’re busy. You’re out to conquer the world and they only want to sit, talk, hold your hand and run their hands through your hair – what a waste of time! Think with me – how much did they sacrifice for you? I know, you’re tired of hearing their stories of sacrifice. Do you even know how much your grandparents wait for just a short phone call? Let’s invent a week – Grandparents week. Not just a day – a week! Be creative and honor your grandparents this week. Call your brothers and sisters; call your children; make homemade cards; pick flowers from your gardens – and then surprise your grandparents with a visit of love.

None of us are perfect as individuals – nor are our marriages perfect.  As we work together to maintain our love and a strong marriage, our homes will be a good environment for growing and happy children.