Wishing all of our matriarchs and patriarchs a Happy Grandparents Day
By Gabrielle Nolan
A 2017 photo of Gabrielle Nolan and her Grandma Rosie taken at Mrs. Nolan’s wedding.
Grandma Rosie mowed her own lawn until she was 80 years old. She is masterful at crochet, stays awake into the wee hours of the night reading, and still yells at the television to cheer on her home team of the Buffalo Bills. She just celebrated her 99th birthday with a sparkly tiara on her head.
Is my grandmother the coolest person ever? I know I’m biased, but isn’t the obvious answer yes?
Our country celebrates National Grandparents Day this month, on Sept. 13. Grandparents have a special role within families and the culture at large. They hold family history—memories and stories that are to be passed down to future generations. They possess wisdom and knowledge from life experiences that they can impart to those going through similar situations.
And, let’s be honest—most grandparents also hold the key to delicious family recipes that just don’t taste as good anywhere else (I’m looking at you, pierogi and Christmas cut-out cookies).
If you need some ideas to connect with your grandparents, here are some suggestions to consider in the coming weeks:
Interview
I’m not lying when I say one of the best days of my life was when I interviewed my Grandma Rosie during a two-hour phone call in 2020. Her stories fascinated me, and having her voice on a recording is priceless to me.
You won’t regret this—take the time to interview and learn more about the intricacies of your grandparents’ lives. What was your grandfather’s first job? How did your grandparents meet and fall in love? If your grandmother could travel anywhere in the world, where would that be and why? Whether it’s over a phone call, video recording, or in person, find a way to preserve the answers.
In addition to the interview, see if your parents or grandparents have old family photos they would be willing to share with you. These images could be added to a scrapbook or other written book the interview is documented in.
Hobbies
A few years ago, my grandmother taught my mom and me the basics of crochet. It was fun to watch my grandmother’s skillful hands create so effortlessly, and my mom and I had some laughs amidst our learning curves.
Maybe for your grandparent, their hobby is assembling puzzles or solving crosswords or playing chess—find out what they like and do it together. These moments create precious memories and can even spark a new interest for the younger generation, carrying on a family hobby.
Prayer
Our grandparents need our prayers! Perhaps their old age has been accompanied by health problems, loss of loved ones, or financial hardship. Ask your grandparents how you can specifically pray for them on a regular basis. This could even look like praying the rosary together, or driving your grandparent to Mass if they can no longer drive themselves.
If any of your grandparents are deceased, prayer is a powerful way to stay connected with them through the body of Christ. You can offer Mass for your deceased loved ones or visit their graves on the feast of All Souls Day in November. I personally have visited the grave of Grandma Rosie’s husband, our beloved Grandpa Joe, just to say hi and talk to him.
In addition to National Grandparents Day, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of Sts. Joachim and Anne, the maternal grandparents of Jesus, on July 26. These saints are the perfect intercessors for families—whether you’re a grandparent, parent, or child, you can ask this holy couple to intercede for any of your family’s needs.
One final thought—although honoring your grandparents on the national day is a nice gesture, I would encourage you to not let it stop there. May this day be a stepping stone to recommit to, and reconnect with, your grandparents. There is so much to learn and gain from one another.
Sts. Joachim and Anne, pray for us and our grandparents!
Gabrielle Nolan is a multimedia journalist who formerly was with The East Tennessee Catholic. She and her husband, Kevin, and their son, Liam, attend the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.