Mel Feller believes that “Grandpas enrich and bless the
lives of their grandchildren in their own unique way. They play a role that no
one else can play, and in so doing fulfill a need that is vitally important to
their grandkids’ well-being”.
Grandpas are different from grandmas. Way different. Equally
as necessary. Grandpas may not think so because who is it that makes sure the
grandkids’ birthdays are remembered? Grandma. Who is it that reminds grandpa
that a grandchild’s recital is coming up? Grandma. Who is it that bakes the
gingerbread cookies? Grandma. Who it is that well, you get the picture. Grandmas
are good at those things and rightly so because they were made that way.
Grandpas are good at other things and they were made that way as well.
Babies stop crying
for grandpas
We saw this with some of our grandbabies. For example, my
baby granddaughter, who is now 20 years old, could be howling then grandpa
would pick her up and start talking to her and she would stop in mid howl. It
has to be the fact that his voice is lower and gentle, and somehow sounds
soothing to the baby. Must be that higher pitched voices do not register
comfort as well. This is not a scientific study, just an over-time observation
with all of my grandkids.
Grandpas play tricks
Grandkids love it when Grandpa pulls a quarter, even a
nickel, out of their ears. They fully believe he has magical power. Heck, he
can even pull it out of their sleeve. Better yet, he can make it disappear! If
he starts this trick, he is in for it. The kids flock around him. Not only his
grandkids but also their friends. They want to show off their supernatural
grandpa. He needs to be equipped with an endless supply of coins. After all, he
cannot possibly disappoint an adoring grandchild. Moreover, they love him for
it.
What grandpas say actually
matters
Maybe it is because he is not in the habit of telling the
grandkids what to do as much as their grandma is. When only a few choice
tidbits roll forth it may be that they are more memorable. On the other hand,
maybe it is because he does not sugar coat it. He tells it like it is, in fewer
words and all. That makes it stick in a kid's mind. It reminds me of when I was speaking once at
church, “Grandpa’s gone now, but the memory is solid. I said, “Grandpa caught
me doing something I shouldn’t be doing. He took me aside and said, ‘Mel,
before you do something ask yourself what Jesus would do if he were in your
place. Then think about it. You’ll have a happy life if you do that.’” Of all
the things I might have remembered from his childhood, he remembered those
words from his grandpa. Grandfathers are authority figures and what they say
matters.
Grandpas spoil kids
with junk food
Grandmas encourage kids to eat their fruits and veggies, but
grandpas do not hesitate to order hamburgers for the whole bunch. Plain and
simple, he spoils them. It will not hurt them since it does not happen that often,
and it may be his clever way of getting a hamburger for himself. The grandkids
love it. Especially when it is followed with an ice cream cone.
Grandpas tell jokes
They enjoy sharing the funnies with the kids. Grandpas have
their favorites and grandkids love it when they share and make them laugh. It
shows them that life is not always serious.
Grandpas teach
grandkids their specialties
Like, fishing. Especially if they are good at it. My grandson
learned how to fish from their grandpa. He has a legacy of being the best angler
ever. Grandpa could catch a fish when no one else could. It probably goes back
to his magical powers. Not all grandpas are anglers, but they are all good at
teaching their grandkids some skill, like playing ball, fixing things, carving
a whistle, etc. In other words, grandpas they like to pass on what they know.
Grandpas help when
the going gets tough
As grandkids grow so, do their problems. They need a little
help from time to time and grandpas are good at giving it. It might be a need
for $20 that grandpa seems to know about without being asked. It may be help in
finding a car. When my college-student granddaughter, Rachael, needed a car,
she came to grandpa for advice. She had saved the money for a used car but
needed a little guidance. Nevertheless, grandpa was good at handing her a
couple of thousand dollars to help. Grandpas are good at that.
Grandpas show their
grandkids how to live an honorable life
They have been through enough of life’s challenges to tell
the stories of their own lives in a way that inspires grandchildren to have
integrity. They are good at passing on a legacy of determination, faith, and
hard work. The loving way they treat the kids’ grandmother shows them that love
is enduring and worth working for. Their example speaks volumes to their
grandkids.
Overall, grandpas are definitely priceless in the lives of
their grandchildren. Maybe today is the day you say thanks to your own grandpa,
or if you are one, work at being the best you can be. Your posterity will
praise you for it.
Mel Feller Websites
http://melfeller.brandyourself.com
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