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2009/08/31

Best Poems for Funerals: 6 Funeral Poems for Grandparents

Filed under: Funeral Poems, Grandparent Poetry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Nana @ 1:01 pm

We are sorry for your loss of a grandparent. It is understandable that you wish to find the best funeral poem to be read during your grandparent’s funeral service that reflects your relationship.  The following 6 poems are appropriate to be read at a grandparent’s funeral, either grandmother or grandfather, as a tribute to their life. When searching for the best poem for a grandparent’s funeral, view them as “In Loving Memory” poems to be read to thank, praise, and commemorate the events of a grandparent’s life. When you find the best funeral poem, insert or change words and lines to personalize the funeral poem for your grandparent. Include the funeral poems read during the service in the funeral program. If you have a special poem that is more meaningful than the others, frame it as a memorial keepsake.

As We Look Back Over Time

As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering …..

Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us …..

To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?

We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?

If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.

~ Author Unknown ~

God Saw You Getting Tired

God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
Come to Me.

With tearful eyes we watch you
and saw you pass away
and although we loved you dearly
we could not make you stay.

A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove us
he only takes the best

~ Author Unknown ~

I Heard Your Voice in the Wind Today

I heard your voice in the wind today
and I turned to see your face;
The warmth of the wind caressed me
as I stood silently in place.

I felt your touch in the sun today
as its warmth filled the sky;
I closed my eyes for your embrace
and my spirit soared high.

I saw your eyes in the window pane
as I watched the falling rain;
It seemed as each raindrop fell
it quietly said your name.

I held you close in my heart today
it made me feel complete;
You may have died…but you are not gone
you will always be a part of me.

As long as the sun shines…
the wind blows…
the rain falls…
You will live on inside of me forever
for that is all my heart knows.

~ Author Unknown ~

Not Forgotten

Gone yet not forgotten,
Although we are apart,
Your spirit lives within me,
Forever in my heart.

~ Author Unknown ~

The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,in death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone.
For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.

~ Author Unknown ~

If Tears Could Build a Stairway

If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane,
I’d walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again.
No farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye,
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.

My heart’s still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow,
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more,
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you’ll always stay.

~ Author Unknown ~

Designing your grandparent’s funeral program yourself using a free funeral program template can not only save money but also assure an appropriate tribute is paid.  You can download a free funeral program template for Microsoft Word and personalize it by adding a photo, funeral poems, stories, or anything that you wish to include to celebrate your grandparent’s life.

2009/08/30

Best Poems for Funerals: 5 Funeral Poems for Grandfather

Filed under: Funeral Poems, Poems: Grandfather — Tags: , — Nana @ 10:13 am

When I was a young girl and had not yet attended any funerals, I pictured a funeral viewing or wake as one where the mourners would be together in a room all crying together. My parents had not taken me to my grandfathers’ funerals so the first funeral I attended was when I was in high school. The funeral was for my best friend’s grandfather. I was surprised to find some people smiling and even laughing at times. I was horrified and felt bad for my friend and her family. I asked my parents about it later that evening. They explained to me that the funeral was for family and friends to say good-bye to her grandfather while also celebrating his life. My parents also explained that just as people are different, so are the ways they mourn. The smiles and laughter are because they enjoyed knowing the person and being a part of his life.

When searching for just the right funeral poem to read at a funeral for your grandfather or grandmother, it is often difficult to find the funeral poem that reflects exactly what you want to say. Here are three suggestions to help you:

  1. Write a funeral poem for your grandfather that speaks to him, or tells others what you are feeling, while celebrating his life and your relationship.
  2. Find the best poems for funerals that you can relate to and change or add words and lines that bring your grandfather’s personality and life into the funeral poem. Choose the one that has the most meaning for you.
  3. Blend together your favorite lines from the best funeral poems you find to create a personalized funeral poem for your grandfather.

Here are a few of the best poems for funerals for grandfathers:

Not How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?

Not how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not, what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away.

~ Author Unknown ~

Planted in Loving Memory Garden Stake

A Garden

Our Grandfather kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
He planted all the good things,
That gave our lives their start.

He turned us to the sunshine,
And encouraged us to dream:
Fostering and nurturing the seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,
He protected us enough;
But not too much because he knew
We would stand up strong and tough.

His constant good example,
Always taught us right from wrong;
Markers for our pathway that will last
a lifetime long.

We are our Grandfather’s garden,
We are his legacy.
Thank you Grandfather, we love you.

(Can also be changed to Grandmother)

~ Author Unknown ~

My Grandfather

My Grandfather was a man who had smiles to brighten your days,
who always made you feel good with his warm words of praise.
And what’s more he knew
what to do to make wishes come true.
He was my Grandfather.

My Grandfather was someone who always had good stories to tell,
but just as importantly he knew how to be a good listener as well.
He was patient and kind
and the very best friend you could ever hope to find.
He was no ordinary man.

And I’m proud to tell the world that (Your Granddads name here)
Was my Grandfather.

(This poem can be adjusted for a Father, Grandmother, Mother)

~ Author Unknown ~

Granddad

Granddad, you were just a lad,
So many years ago.
You had your loves and had your dreams,
You watched us come and go.

You watched us make the same mistakes,
That you had made before,
But that just made you hold us tight,
And love us all the more.

We haven’t always thought about
The things that you have seen.
To us you’ve just been ‘Granddad’,
No thought of who you’ve been.

But we remember now in love,
Your life from start to end,
And we’re just glad we knew you,
As Granddad, and as Friend.

~ Author Unknown ~

As I Look Up to the Skies Above

As I look up to the skies above,
The stars stretch endlessly–
But somehow all those rays of light
Seem dimmer now to me.
As I watch the morning sun appear,
The shadows still don’t fade—
As if the brightest light of all
Was somehow swept away.

Though I see the branches swaying,
And watch their dancing leaves–
The echoes carried on the wind
Don’t sound the same to me.
As I listen to the morning birds
Sing softly from afar–
It seems to be a mournful tune
That echoes in my heart.

Another day has come again,
As time moves surely on–
But nothing now seems quite the same,
To know that he is gone.
The days and weeks and months ahead
Will never be the same–
Because a treasure beyond words
Can never be replaced.

The loss cannot be measured now,
The void cannot be filled–
And though someday the grief may fade,
His mark will live on still.
For even with my heavy heart,
I know that I’ve been blessed
To have been one who’s life he touched
With warmth so infinite.

~ Author Unknown ~

If you don’t feel confident in writing a funeral poem for grandfather, just express your thoughts in memory of your grandfather that come to mind when you think of your relationship and those that you wish to express in saying goodbye. Remember, a poem to read at a funeral does not need to rhyme. If your sentiments are true and from the heart, then you will have written the best funeral poem.

2009/08/20

Best Poems for Funerals: 4 Grandmother Funeral Poems

Filed under: Funeral Poems, Poems: grandmother — Tags: , , , , , , — Nana @ 12:20 pm

Choosing the best funeral poem is very personal. The best funeral poems are those that express personal feelings from the heart. When a poem relates to the emotions felt by a grieving family member and is believed to reflect the grandmother – grandchild relationship, then that poem is the best funeral poem to read at a funeral for Grandmother.

The reading of funeral poems during the funeral ceremony by grandchildren helps to address the emotional needs of the grieving. Poems for Grandmother read at a funeral help grieving grandchildren say good bye by expressing their love and appreciation of their grandmother, especially if they did not have the opportunity to be with her at the end. Funeral poems read in memory of Grandmother are also a way for family to share recognition and celebration of their loved one’s life.

In searching for the best poems for funerals, I found the following 4 funeral poems honoring Grandmothers. These poems are in addition to the already posted best poems for funerals we have shared over the past year.  These funeral poems express loving appreciation for the many important ways a Grandmother influences her grandchildren’s lives. (Funeral poetry for Grandmother can also be used as funeral poems for Mom.)

Legacy of Love

A wife, a mother, a grandma too,
This is the legacy we have from you.
You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart, you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a wife not just as a mother.
For all of us you gave your best,
Now the time has come for you to rest.
So go in peace, you’ve earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we’ll eternally keep.

~ Author Unknown ~

We Had a Wonderful Grandmother

We had a wonderful grandmother,
One who never really grew old;
Her smile was made of sunshine,
And her heart was solid gold;

Her eyes were as bright as shining stars,
And in her cheeks fair roses you see.
We had a wonderful grandmother,
And that’ s the way it will always be.

But take heed, because
She’s still keeping an eye on all of us,
So let’s make sure
She will like what she sees.

~ Author Unknown ~

What Can You Say

What can you say
to someone who has always been one of
the most essential parts of your world;
Someone who took you by the hand
when you were little
and helped to show the way.

What do you say to someone
who stood by to help you grow,
providing love, strength, and support
so you could become the person
you are today?

What can you say to let her know
that she’s the best there is,
and that you hope you’ve inherited
some of her wisdom and her strength?

What words would you say
if you ever got the chance?
Maybe you’d just say,
I love you Grandmom,
and hope she understands…

~ Author Unknown ~

A Grandmother is…

A Grandmother is one of life’s best gifts,
Someone to treasure all life through,
She’s caring and loving,
Thoughtful and true,
Someone who is always a special part of your life,
Someone who holds a prime place in your heart,
She’s a mentor, a confidant and also a friend,
Someone on whose love you can depend.
A Grandmother always has your best interests at heart,
She’s someone so dear and so good,
She’s a blessing, she’s a gift,
She’s a treasure like no other,
She’s someone that is truly wonderful.
Wherever you go, and whatever you do,
A Grandmother’s love will always see you through,
A Grandmother is truly invaluable,
Indispensable and unforgettable.
I wouldn’t want anyone but you,
And that’s why I’m so grateful,
that life picked you for me.

~ Author Unknown ~

**********

In Memory of the 3 MomMoms Our Family Has Lost

2008 – 2009

MomMom Shaller

MomMom Johnson

MomMom Chevalier


 In Our Hearts Forever Glass Picture Frame
Personalized Forever in Our Heart Memorial Keepsake 

 

2009/08/11

15 Nursery Rhymes and Poems for Teddy Bear Day

Filed under: Grandchildren Poetry, Staying in Touch — Tags: , , , , , , , , — Nana @ 10:29 am

Teddy Bear Day

Teddy Bear Day is one of the September Holidays celebrated by both the young and the old(er). So many of us have had a Teddy Bear as a close childhood friend and confidant. Perhaps, some of us still do?

As parents and grandparents, a Teddy Bear is often one of the first gifts we give to our newborns to offer comfort, to cuddle up to in that big spacious crib…or as a friend a gift of celebration to a child, grandchild or loved one for a special occasion…or again, comfort for those in need of cheering. I think Teddy Bears are adorable and irresistible.

How to Celebrate Teddy Bear Day

Teddy Bear Day is held on September 9 every year. Many pre-schools create thematic units around the special day. It’s a lot of fun and gets the kids excited about learning.

To celebrate Teddy Bear Day in school, children are asked to bring in their favorite Teddy Bears to spend the day with them in school. Reading, Math, Art, Music, and Circle Time activities are all planned around the Teddy Bears joining their friends in class.

You can celebrate Teddy Bear Day at home or at a distance with your child or grandchild, too. Here are some suggestions for activities:

At Home

  • Teddy Bear Tea Party: Invite friends and their Teddy Bears by designing invitations, planning the menu, and preparing the refreshments together (cooking skills, following directions, creativity, organization and social skills)
  • Teddy Bear Nursery Rhyme or Story: Create a nursery rhyme (a rhymed tale for children) or story using familiar objects and places (vocabulary, writing and reading skills, imagination)
  • Read, sing, and act out Teddy Bear nursery rhymes and songs found below… (rhythm, reading, creativity, performing arts)
  • Write a letter from your Teddy Bear to your child or grandchild’s Teddy Bear asking for a play date. Have the child write back with ideas on what to do on the play date…and your Teddy writes back…and it’s a date!

At a Distance using a WebCam

  • Hold a Teddy Bear Tea Party for 4 or more – you and your Teddy and your grandchild(ren) and Teddy(s)
  • Create a Teddy Bear story together – type it as you go, then email it to your grandchild(ren)
  • Plan to read the same Teddy Bear book together or teach your grandchild the Teddy Bear nursery rhymes found below (email a copy first)
  • If don’t have a WebCam on both computers, then send a letter from your Teddy Bear to your grandchild’s telling about his favorite things. Everyone loves receiving surprises in the mail! Be sure to have your Teddy Bear ask your grandchild’s Teddy Bear to write back.

Since most nursery rhymes have simple vocabulary and a catchy beat, children are easily drawn to listening to them. Because they are fun, children want to participate in reciting them, too. Once they learn the words to the nursery rhymes, let them follow the words with you. Do this with beginning story books, too. They will soon want learn to read.

Teddy Bear Nursery Rhymes and Poems

Hug a Bear

Do you have a moment please
To give this bear just one small squeeze?
Cuz teddy bears need hugs to live…
So don’t you have just one to give?

~ Author Unknown ~

Bear Hugs

If you like I can give you
A big bear hug.

It will make you feel snug
As a bug in a rug.

As soon as A bear hug
Comes your way,

Find yourself A good friend,
And give It Away!

~ Author Unknown ~

Five Little Bears

(Counting up)

One little bear
Wondering what to do
Along came another
Then there were two!

Two little bears
Climbing up a tree
Along came another
Then there were three!

Three little bears
Ate an apple core
Along came another
Then there were four!

Four little honey bears
Found honey in a hive
Along came another
Then there were five!

~ Author Unknown ~

Five Little Bears

(Counting down)

Five little bears
Heard a loud roar
One ran away
Then there were four!

Four little bears
Climbing up a tree
One slid down
Then there were three!

Three little bears
Deciding what to do
One fell asleep
Then there were two!

Two little bears
Having lots of fun
One went home
Then there was one!

One little bear
Feeling all alone
Ran to his mother
Then there were none!

~ Author Unknown ~

Round and Round the Garden

Round and round the garden, like a Teddy Bear.
(gently trace finger in a circle around child’s palm)

One step, two step
(walk your fingers up child’s arm)

Tickly you under there!
(tickle under chin, under arm or tummy)

~ Author Unknown ~

Bear Hunt

(children repeat each line)

REPEAT EACH PHRASE… slap thighs throughout.

Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (children hug each other during this part…repeat)
By my side (repeat)
Oh, Oh (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s some tall grass! (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go around it (repeat)
Got to go through it (repeat… make motions with arms like you are clearing a way thru grass)

Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid ( repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s a tall tree. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to climb up it (repeat and pretend to climb up the tree)

Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! It’s a wide river. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to swim across it. (Repeat and pretend to swim.)

Goin on a bear hunt (repeat)
I’m not afraid (repeat)
Got a real good friend (repeat with hugs)
By my side. (repeat)
Oh, Oh! (repeat)
What do I see? (repeat)
Oh look! A deep, dark cave. (repeat)
Can’t go over it (repeat)
Can’t go under it (repeat)
Can’t go through it (repeat)
Got to go in it. (repeat, close eyes as you pretend to enter the cave)

Oh,oh! It’s dark in here (repeat)
I feel something (repeat)
It has lots of hair! (repeat)
It has sharp teeth! (repeat)
It’s a bear!! (children love to scream this part)

(At this point, increase the speed of your thigh slapping and

  • swim back through the river
  • back up and down the tree
  • back through the tall grass
  • till you get safely home and lock the door.

I’m not afraid! (Repeat)

~ Author Unknown ~

Grin and Bear It

(for two year old)

When I was just a wee little bear,
My owner dragged me everywhere,
Filled me up with cold mud pie,
Bit my nose and lost my tie,
Left me outside in the rain,
Spilled her juice and left this stain.
But I didn’t whine or scold,
Cuz she was only two years old!
And what’s a faithful bear to do
When his little girl is only two?

~ Author Unknown ~

A Bear in Tennis Shoes

The first two lines of each verse, half the group sings, and half the group repeats — the second two lines of each verese, both groups sing together.

The other day (group repeats), I met a bear (group repeats),
With tennis shoes (group repeats), a dandy pair(group repeats).
The other day, I met a bear,
With tennis shoes, a dandy pair.

He looked at me (group repeats), I looked at him (group repeats),
He sized me up (group repeats), I sized up him (group repeats).
He looked at me, I looked at him,
He sized me up, I sized up him.

He said to me (group repeats), “Why don’t you run? (group repeats),
I see you don’t (group repeats), have any gun (group repeats).”
He said to me, “Why don’t you run?,
I see you don’t, have any gun.”

So I did run (group repeats), away from there (group repeats),
and right behind (group repeats), me came that bear (group repeats).
So I did run, away from there,
and right behind, me came that bear.

Ahead of me (group repeats), I saw a tree (group repeats),
A great big tree (group repeats), oh golly-gee (group repeats).
Ahead of me, I saw a tree,
A great big tree, oh golly-gee.

The only branch (group repeats), was 10 feet up (group repeats),
I’d have to jump (group repeats), and trust my luck (group repeats).
The only branch, was 10 feet up,
I’d have to jump, and trust my luck.

And so I jumped (group repeats), into the air (group repeats),
But I missed that branch (group repeats), away up there (group repeats).
And so I jumped, into the air,
But I missed that branch, away up there.

Now don’t you fret (group repeats), now don’t you frown (group repeats),
‘Cause I caught that branch (group repeats), On the way back down (group repeats).
Now don’t you fret, now don’t you frown,
‘Cause I caught that branch, On the way back down.

The moral is (group repeats), no shocking news (group repeats),
Don’t talk to bears (group repeats), in tennis shoes (group repeats).
The moral is, no shocking news,
Don’t talk to bears, in tennis shoes.

That’s all there is (group repeats), there is no more (group repeats),
Unless I meet (group repeats), that bear once more (group repeats).
That’s all there is, there is no more,
Unless I meet, that bear once more.

The end, The end (group repeats), The end, The end (group repeats),
The end, The end (group repeats), The end, The end echo).
The end, The end, The end, The end,
The end, The end, The end, The end.

~ Author Unknown ~

Teddy Bear

Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, turn around,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, touch the ground,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, reach up high
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, wink one eye,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, slap your knees,
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, sit down please.

~ Author Unknown ~

Bears, Bears, Bears

Bear, bear, bear, bear
How many kinds of bears are there?
Polar bear and grizzly bear,
Big brown bear with lots of hair!
Spectacled bear, black bear, too,
Sloth bear, sun bear, quite a few!
Bear, bear, bear, bear,
So many bears to compare.

~ Author Unknown ~

Bears Are In

Bears are IN!
Bears are IN!
Bears are OUT!
Grab a bear and give a shout!
Give me a B.
Give me an E.
Give me an A.
Give me an R.
Give me an S.
What have you got?
BEARS!!!

~ Author Unknown ~

The Bear

Here is a cave, (make a fist)
Inside is a bear. (put a thumb inside fist)
Now he comes out
To get some fresh air. (pop out thumb)
He stays out all summer
In sunshine and heat.
He hunts in the forest
For berries to eat. (move thumb in circle)
When snow starts to fall,
He hurries inside
His warm little cave,
And there he will hide. (put thumb back inside fist)
Snow covers the cave
Like a fluffy white rug.
Inside the bear sleeps
All cozy and snug. (cover fist with other hand)

~ Author Unknown ~

Egbert and Me

At night when I lie fast asleep
My teddy, Egbert, wakes,
And sits upon my counterpane
Until the morning breaks:
He likes to see I get my rest,
For everybody’s sakes,
So if the pirates smash the door
To steal away my toys
He fights them off with dirk and sword
But very little noise.

And if the one-eyed bogey-man
Comes breaking down the wall
He scares him off by looking fierce
But makes no sound at all.
And if the wailing ghost flies down
The chimney like a bird
He blows him back with mighty breaths
That simply can’t be heard.

When, after slumbering peacefully,
I open up my eyes,
I see the sun come shining in
And find to my surprise
That Egbert’s lost another ear
Upon some enterprise.
But when I ask him what he’s done
He just looks smug and wise….

~ Author Unknown ~

Lullaby

Go to sleep, my Teddy Bear,
Close your little button eyes,
And let me smooth your hair.
It feels so soft and silky that,
I’d love to cuddle down by you,
So,
Go to sleep, my darling Teddy Bear.

~ Author Unknown ~

One for Old(er) Teddy Bear Friends

Teddy Bear Paws

I placed my memories in teddy bear’s paws,
My fondest dreams, my wishes and all,
I’ll never let go of those tender years,
And you, my friend, through giggles and tears.

I recall the gaze of your black button eyes,
Your comforting look and knowing surprise.
My deepest secrets, I shared with you,
Old bear, my friend, you’ve always been true.

You hold the magic of those wonderful years,
You soothe my heart; you calm my fears.
My childhood stories upon your ears,
You listened with love, forever dear.

I placed my cares into your paws,
With frogs and toads with warts and all.
Old bear, you’ve been my steadfast friend,
from my very first step to each day’s end.

Through ups and downs throughout my life,
You’ve been my pillow; my moonlit night,
The bear who knows just where I’ve been,
Who stood by me through thick and thin.

Whenever I see your adorable face,
I’m back in my childhood, the state of grace,
Recalling the times when life was a game,
When days were sunny; when it never rained.

Now, I’ve grown up in stature and size,
With life quite serious, Im supposed to be wise,
I’ll leave my cares by the door-outside,
And look for the bear with arms opened wide.

A teddy bear holds a young child’s smiles,
And dreams of queens and far away miles,
Of tea cups and parties out on the lawn,
And Golden Books treasured when summers were long,

And I, I shall be forever young……..

~ Author Unknown ~

2009/08/09

September Holidays: Grandparents Day

Filed under: Grandparents Day — Tags: , , , , — Nana @ 1:26 pm

Every year, since 1978, the first Sunday after Labor Day has been known as  National Grandparents Day. September was chosen for the holiday, to signify the “autumn years” of life.

If I knew it was going to be this much fun, I would have become a grandparent first. ~ Willard Scott

National Grandparents Day originated first in West Virginia in 1970. With much time and effort on the part of  Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, her dream was realized when President Jimmy Carter honored her request by designating a special day of celebrating our grandparents to be included in the yearly September holidays.

Purpose

The purpose for National Grandparents Day is twofold:

  • To honor grandparents
  • To help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

Suggested Activities

Grandparents Day is a family day that should be celebrated not only by grandparents and grandchildren, but should also include the grandparents’ children. It’s very simple – any fun activity involving grandparents and grandchildren together that creates a memory in itself is all it takes to celebrate National Grandparents Day.  Activities that involve intergenerational interactions might include:

  • cooking an old family recipe
  • playing board games similar -  if not the same – that grandparents enjoyed in their childhood
  • organizing old family photographs while identifying family members (remember to write names and dates on back)
  • sharing stories of childhood and family memories including traditions
  • describing what it was like to be a child “back in the day”
  • teaching a craft or skill learned as a child
  • touring the old neighborhood whether in person or on Google Earth and reminiscing on favorite places and events
  • construct a family tree, filling in names, dates, and places. (Ancestry.com offers a two-week free trial where you can search online for ancestors from the 1930 census and back in time to 1850 – in some cases earlier than that.)

Many times, only grandparents have answers to questions about family histories. Grandparents can prepare, with their children’s help, a keepsake journal of their family’s history to be presented to their grandchildren.

Grandparents Day Online Craft and e-Card Resources

For more activities for Grandparents Day, visit the following sites:

Happy Grandparents Day!

PS:  for more September holidays and special days, visit About.com

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