There is something distinctly special about grandparents. Those young professionals (YPs) lucky enough to have at least one of them still around are probably reminded of this during the holidays or visits to retirement homes, while others have fond memories of grandparents who have passed. Either way, the failing health of our last remaining grandparent got us thinking about the things we have learned from the grandparents in our lives.
Insight as to how family history has shaped us
The rich history and traditions learned from dialogue with grandparents offers insight as to exactly how we formed as the unique people we have become. We can better assess the effects of cause and consequence in terms of our family history, the behaviours of our parents and, in turn, the behaviours, circumstance and fabric that have shaped us as individuals.
We will eventually be afraid of some type of technology
Although you may be on top of the latest technology now, there will inevitably come a time when technological advances occur more quickly than you can keep up with… or even than your mind can grasp. Although a girlfriend’s 96-year-old grandpa is active on Facebook (right?!), many senior citizens are terrified by merely turning on a computer. At some point, a particular technology will probably scare the hell out of you.
We will forget people as they lose significance
Even in conversations with our high school friends at this age, we find ourselves having to be reminded of people we never thought we would forget at one point in time. That nasty, negative co-worker who consumes your life won’t matter even five years from now and definitely won’t by the time you’re a grandparent. In listening to grandparents speak, the people who stick out in their minds are the ones who had a profound impact on them, not subjects of superficial interactions and surface friendships.
We’ve had it relatively easy
When we hear the stories of some of the things that our grandparents and friends’ grandparents have endured – whether fighting in WWII, enduring concentration camps, living through the Depression or escaping political unrest – it makes what we’ve been faced with seem like an easy ride. Hearing their stories should make you grateful for being a 70s, 80s or 90s baby and put your “problems” into perspective.
Life will change drastically by the time we are grandparents
The average grandparent has seen the world change a lot. From the first days of radio, to the advent of the TV, the first man on the moon, the end of segregation, the phenomenal progression of women’s and gay rights, personal computers, mobile communication and modern-day terrorism, our grandparents have seen it all unfold. With changing communications technology, 9/11 and medical advances, most YPs have already seen so much since high school… imagine how much more there is to come.
At some point, our fashion will stand still in time
Though there are those grandparents who rock the latest fashions and timeless designer bags or sunglasses, more likely than not your fashion sense will stand still at a particular point in time. You as well will someday rock the future equivalent to “old-man glasses” or an “old lady” haircut. Besides, those are the things that are “in” at the moment anyway, right?
Hard work and spending habits will pay off
Many fellow YPs will tell stories of their grandparents who either arrived in Canada with nothing and slowly built an empire or were born into struggling families and, though hard work, were able to do great things. Some grandparents may have in fact spent their lives working blue-collar jobs, but were able to save and make the most of what they had. Having lived through The Depression, most grandparents (or great-grandparents) learned harsh lessons on how to be frugal with resources to get the most for the least and waste less.
Only certain life events matter in the end
In talking about their life, grandparents will discuss their marriage, the birth of your parent, your parent’s wedding, a fabulous trip they took, stories of their childhood and times of life-changing challenge and trauma. Listening to grandparents speak about their life, then, should provide insight as to what should matter at the end of your life. It isn’t the shopping spree you had last weekend, or that wild night on the town, we guarantee that.
The simple things will one day make us the happiest
The simplest things in life seem to make grandparents the happiest; whether it’s a stunning sunset, a family holiday dinner, holding a newborn addition to the family, playing the piano or even a conversation over tea. One day, our lives will also be so refreshingly simple.
If we ever need a change of pace or a dose of reality, a visit with the grandparents has proved good for the soul and to keep our priorities in check. If you still have living grandparents, give them a call or pay them a visit – they’d love to hear from you.
Cover image courtesy of thefw.com other images via tumblr