by Christina Conner

Created on: August 20, 2009   Last Updated: April 23, 2012

For those who grow up knowing their grandparents, it's hard to imagine them not being around someday. For many, grandparents are a constant to their lives, even if the grandparents live in another town or State. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and grandparents don't live forever. Connecting to your past can give you a stronger idea of why you and your parents are the way each of you turned out to be, and it can allow a look into a way of life that won't be seen again. Take the time to ask questions and connect with your grandparents while they're around.

I lost both of my grandmothers in one year and I have one remaining grandfather alive. I understand the importance of asking questions. One of my grandmothers began writing about her life, and it was priceless to find her thoughts written down about her life and her background.

Ask specific questions if possible. Vague questions like what would you have done differently in your life may be tricky especially if they have to think back over 60 to 80+ years! Start with factual types of questions that will get their thoughts flowing and as they begin to reminisce and remember, you'll get gems of wisdom.

1) Where were your parents from? If you're living in America, it is very likely that your grandparents parents were from another country. It could be that some of the traditions and customs you celebrate in your family today came from another country and another generation. My family always has each grandchild light a candle at the table for Christmas; the tradition started with my maternal grandmother when she was a child.

2) What was a special treat when you were a child? For my brothers and I, we enjoyed ice cream after band concerts. Turns out my grandfather enjoyed fresh cream over peaches on special occasions, and he also chewed on licorice flavored gum for a treat. This is also a sneaky way to find the perfect present. For his birthday, I bought my grandfather his favorite type of gum from his childhood. It was his favorite gift!

3) Did you ever move houses? What was your room like in the house in which you grew up? One of my grandmothers moved only 3 times in her 88 years, and the house where her husband, my grandfather, grew up is still in the family. My other grandmother moved at least a dozen times in 99 years. This question can help give you a physical connection to your past.

4) What was your first job? What did you like about it? What didn't you like about it? My grandfather's first job is one he still has, he's a farmer. For someone who has had more jobs than she can count and isn't sure she likes her current one, I was pretty impressed with that level of dedication and enjoyment.

5) What do you remember about when I was born? They may not have been there the day that you were born, but they'll remember the first time they held you for sure! Your grandparents are people that have, hopefully, known you and loved you for your entire life. In a time when we seek out mates and friends to love us, it is important to remember and celebrate those who have loved us from the very beginning.

6) What was my mother/father (depending on the grandparent you're asking) like as a child? I found out that as a child, my mother used to collect eggs as her daily chore. She and her siblings used to play church in the basement of the house; they took turns giving the sermon.

Approach the conversation with genuine interest and you will likely learn some interesting new things. Be patient as well as it can be hard for some grandparents to remember things at times! Enjoy the time with them while you can and ask the questions you want to ask before you forget.

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