Grandparent's Day

To my shame I missed recognizing and honoring National Grandparent's Day last Sunday.  I am fortunate to have been the product of a strong nuclear family, enjoying the fullness of familial relationships all these years.  My paternal grandparents died when I was four to five years old, but I was privileged to have my maternal grandparents in place to fill any void I may have experienced in life.  One set of Grandparents did not substitute for the other or was any lesser or greater overall.  Both had their strengths and enduring qualities.  Growing up in Austin not very far from Mom's parents, I had a more natural and endearing relationship with them.  In fact, I remember, even as a very young child, being scared to death of my dad's parents.  I have no idea or reason why to justify this feeling, but I do recall approaching them in hesitation.  Maybe it was a misguided sense of awe and respect since I did not interact with them very much, or at least comparatively as I did with my other set of Grandparents.  (It's funny the things I remember.)  To date my paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather have all passed, including my own father's passing in 1997.  In a sense, they all remain a very active part of my life in the legacy and heritage they have left behind.  I am a better man, standing on the familial foundation they have built for their progeny.  Traits such as integrity, honor, loyalty, and character hold very sacred personal meanings as a result.  Looking back I could have spent more time in relationship, reaping a greater understanding of family, but I do experience the richness and fullness of life because of both sets of Grandparents.  If your Grandparents are still alive, take advantage by spending quality time with them.  The dividends will never cease to pay off in the present or the future.  Happy Grandparent's Day!