by J.K Citrus

Created on: August 19, 2008   Last Updated: September 15, 2010

Grandparents and elders in general are absolutely amazing and fantastic people. They have lived through a lot that we cannot even imagine. They have knowledge of things that we don't even think about anymore. Sit down with an elderly person for an afternoon, and you won't even imagine calling them a "burden". I understand that not all grandparents are like mine, but I also know that most grandparents love their grandchildren to pieces. Playing basketball at seventy years old just to please your grandkids. You've got to admit that's something. What about sewing up a hole in their grandson's jeans because he might get in trouble with his parents for ruining a new pair of pants? Have your grandparents ever snuck you a piece of candy before dinner?

Unfortunately, grandparents age, like everyone else does. Sometimes they can't do everything they used to do, but you have to remember the love that they showed you and remind yourself that it is now your turn to love them back. Show them that you care and don't call them a burden. They cannot control the aging process anymore than the next person. It isn't their fault that they now need help with everyday things. Young people have to accept that and provide the help and love that they need. If they had the choice, I'm positive we would see our grandmas and grandpas jumping around and aiding us in things that we need help with, but the truth is they haven't a choice. My grandparents would give their life for me, even now, when they have more difficulty showing it, they still try.

So now, it's my turn. It's my turn to talk to them, encourage them...that's what friends do. Although parents are great, someone had to take on the "parental" role in our lives, so that the grandparents could become the friends. Grandparents prove to be the best friends because they never leave you, and in their eyes, you are the best person in the world. Sometimes you need that little piece of encouragement. It's nice to know that you have someone to turn to even if all else went wrong. Because, no matter what others think about you, grandparents will be oblivious to all of the flaws and love you like no one else can.

In conclusion, I encourage everybody that is lucky enough to have a grandma or grandpa today, to call them and tell them these three simple words. "I love you". Simple, but they will encrypt themselves in your grandparents' memories forever.

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