Brad Pitt, an American actor and film producer, said, “I phoned my grandparents, and my grandfather said ‘We saw your movie.’ ‘Which one?’ I said. He shouted, ‘Betty, what was the name of that movie I didn’t like?’”

Sunday, Sept. 12, is National Grandparents Day, and I, for one, think it is a worthy celebration. Grandparents are GRAND and deserve a day of celebration. My grandparents showed me, by just being themselves, the basic foundation of who I became. I find myself in anything I remember about them.

When I was young, I had three living grandparents. With 22 children between them, during the depression, each had likely learned a lot about parenting and surviving. One grandma was no-nonsense, read the bible every day, and liked working more than sitting. Another grandma was sweet with a remarkable ability to see the humor in life. She sat in a comfy rocking chair and always shared baked goodies. My Grandpa was a thinker and creator. He could be found in his carpentry shop or sitting in a straight-back chair by the heat stove or on the porch when I visited. All these years since their deaths, I still clearly see their faces and demeanors—I can guess with fair accuracy how they would answer my many questions or respond to my chatter. Priceless.

As a grandparent of seven perfect, darling, adorable, and beautiful children, I consider myself lucky in love. It is strange because I can give them gifts of money (boring), help with college expenses, or buy them “stuff,” and be thrilled with a phone call, visit, or text in return.

There are many differences in our upbringing, but I think grandkids are a universal delight that spans generations. When we drove into our grandparents yard, they likely thought, “Yay, they’re here,” as they prepared for the added energy and hungry tummies. After we left, they probably took a nap, and I do the same, but I love, love their visits.

I hope my grandkids learn from me as I learned from my grandparents, but mainly I hope my special seven learn as much from me as I learn from them. You can guess who I call with questions about the phone or emojis, or computer. I never think I am out of touch with current trends until I listen to my grandkids’ visits with each other. I’m sure they get tired of me asking, “What does that mean?” I don’t always remember the details of what they tell me, but when I ask again, they are patient and kind, and that spells l-o-v-e to me.

On Sunday, Grandparent’s Day, join me and celebrate, remember, and be grateful for what “Grandparent” means to you.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

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