A Grandparent's Influence

My daughter and I like to watch the "Bachelorette" together. It's not what I would call the most intellectual thing a person can watch on TV but we like to call it our weekly guilty pleasure. I never expected to find an awesome example of a grandparent's influence in a reality show. But I did and I want to share it with you.

This week during one of the one-on-one moments with the bachelorette, one of the bachelors was telling her how much his grandpa had meant to him. And then he pulled out a letter his grandpa had written him many years ago along with a photo of his grandpa. He said he keeps it in his wallet because his grandpa was such a huge example to him and he liked to have it close and to read it often. I couldn't believe it! A perfect example for my blog right there on a reality show! I was really impressed and thought I should share it because it's the perfect example of why it's so important for us to not only spend time with our grandkids, but we should take time to write letters or cards or even just little notes for them. It can mean a lot to them and be a help to them later in their lives.

I also like to watch old episodes of "The Great British Cooking Show." I was surprised by how many of the contestants talked about having learned to bake from one of their grandparents. Many of them were using old family recipes their grandparents had shared with them. Another great example in a reality show! (I know, I probably watch too many of those!)

I realize that I don't need to convince anyone that spending time with or writing to our grandkids is a good thing. It's pretty obvious. But I don't think we realize what a lasting impression we can leave on our grandkids. We're all busy and we don't always remember to take the time to do something as simple as writing a note. That is the reason I started this blog.  I want to help people to remember to do these things.

I challenge anyone who is a grandparent, to take action this week! Plan an activity, call or Facetime, or write a letter to a grandchild. Your grandkids will love it!