HOPEFULLY, MANY OF US were blessed to know our grandparents and spend time with them.
We are at the midpoint between the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, parents of the Virgin Mary and grandparents of Jesus on July 26, and National Grandparents Day the first Sunday after Labor Day, which this year falls on Sept. 7.
St. Ignatius of Loyola encouraged people to use their imagination in prayer (Ignatian Contemplation), so the Holy Spirit could make present one of the Gospel scenes and God could personally communicate with them. Using the following points for prayer, you are invited to visualize Anne and Joachim as they:
■ Helped Mary prepare for the birth of Jesus.
■ Held baby Jesus and rejoiced in the birth of their grandson.
■ Watched Jesus learn to walk and talk.
■ Saw Jesus walk alone the first time to their house, while Mary discreetly followed to ensure he knew the way.
■ Listened to Jesus talk about his synagogue classes and explain his Torah studies.
In the past, when intergenerational families were common, children naturally benefited from time with grandparents. Now, as single parent or nuclear families are on the rise and families spread further apart, this no longer applies. Child psychologists note the benefits for children who have consistent interaction with loving grandparents, even via phone or Internet. Some of these are: experiencing unconditional love and acceptance; learning their family history, values and traditions; developing a sense of identity; understanding their cultural roots; and developing cognitive and social skills.
According to information gleaned from the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2023 about 1 million children were raised by their grandparents with no parents present in the home. This highlights the practical role of grandparents, as well as the spiritual and emotional value. To appreciate our grandparents, implement some of the following:
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Provide opportunities for your children to spend time with their grandparents. If physical proximity is an issue, try FaceTime or Zoom sessions.
■ Include grandparents in special family celebrations.
■ Invite younger children to draw pictures and mail them to their grandparents, and older children to write letters, sharing hopes, dreams and activities.
■ Celebrate National Grandparents Day. After decades-long efforts to receive formal recognition, Grandparents Day became an official holiday, established by a law signed by President Carter in 1978.
■ Encourage grandparents and grandchildren to look through family photo albums and talk about the relatives and circumstances of the photos.
■ With input from as many family generations as possible, make a Family Tree.
■ “Adopt” a Grandparent(s). Among the elderly people you know, are there any without living relatives, or relatives who do not visit? How can you brighten their lives? As a family, choose something you will consistently do, such as bring them to your home for a meal, provide transportation, or take them on an enjoyable outing — a walk, to the park or to the movies.