Make Grandparents' Day Memorable: Ideas and Inspiration

Icebergs are often used as metaphors to illustrate something that is mostly hidden. The expression 'tip of the iceberg' refers to something that is a small part of a much bigger situation - only the tip of an iceberg can be seen.

Seniors have been referred to an iceberg – what you see is white on top, but there’s so much more below the surface. There’s a lifetime of experiences before many new inventions …. they have lived through wars, the aftermath of the depression, huge technological inventions and life changing events that they couldn’t even fathom.

Recently some seniors were asked what invention made the biggest difference in their lives; one person answered that it was the washing machine. Just think what a timesaver that would have been! Something we take for granted was a significant change in many people’s lives.

Advances in all aspects of communication - the introduction of computers and speed of sharing information have revolutionized the world.

When we look at a senior, do we think of what they have lived through? Do we care to ask about their life? Their childhood, their struggles, their successes, their life experiences? Do you think we can learn from them?

Similar to the “tip of the iceberg” we should take time to discover the person - we’ll be amazed at what we learn.

We often talk of gratitude and looking at our lives to see and acknowledge what we have. Let’s take that a little farther and look at the people around us and talk to them. Ask them about their lives, their experiences, and don’t be surprised if you are enriched by the conversation.

Recently a TikTok post showed how a grandson learned his grandma used to be a professional model 50 years ago. So, he surprised her with a photoshoot. What a wonderful tribute to her! Check it out.

September 8 is Grandparents Day and a wonderful time to celebrate our bond with our grandparents or any seniors in our lives and honour their role. Show your love and appreciation by taking an interest in their lives … current and past experiences, and the stories they can share.

Pay them a visit, go for a walk, share a meal, surprise them with a thoughtful gift they can enjoy after you leave, or a bouquet of flowers from your garden.

Give them a gift of your time, and show them that you care by taking a genuine interest in their lives.