Usually, my family celebrates National Grandparents Day by visiting my grandma and bringing her flowers. I'm sure we'll still do that, but this year I've decided to add something else to the mix. Nope, I'm not gonna pull a Miley and get a tattoo of my grandma's face. And unfortunately, I can't be as cool as Ariana Grande, who took her Nonna to the VMAs. I'm doing the next best thing: reflecting on all the lessons my grandma taught me over the years.
Actually, I don't even call her "grandma." I call her Mom-Mom, and anyone else who calls theirs "mom-mom" automatically gains 93453543 points in my book. I may sound totally biased, but this is because she's one of the greatest women I know — and that's not even an exaggeration.
There's definitely something special about grandparents. They're your biggest fans (as evidenced by your pictures hanging all over their living room) and they truly believe you can do no wrong. You can tell them stories your parents might get mad about, because you know they'll respond with a smile. In return, they share funny stories about your parent's childhood. They're like a goldmine of embarrassing stories! Plus, every grandma has a signature recipe, right? I would vouch my mom-mom makes the most delicious chocolate chip cookies ever (but I'm sure you'd argue yours makes the best too).
From silly lessons to more serious ones, my mom-mom has taught me so much in my 23 years of life. Here are seven of the many important lessons she's taught me:
There's always room for dessert
Grandmas know that dessert is the most important part of the meal. No visit is complete without her convincing me to have at least eat one piece of candy or try the new flavor of Oreos she bought.
Always say "Thank You"
After any holiday, she sends the sweetest handwritten cards — in cursive! I think people don't write enough handwritten, cursive notes these days. If she's in a hurry, she'll send a quick thank you email, because yup, she's tech-savvy too.
Don't forget to give back
It's like generosity is in their DNA. My mom-mom is one of the most giving people I know. Each week, she volunteers at a local hospital. It's an important reminder to think of others and help in whatever way you can.
It's never too late to learn something new
She may be in her 80s, but my grandma got an iPad mini for her birthday. It took some adapting, but she now plays Candy Crush all the time. Oh, and fun fact/shameless plug: She downloaded Bustle's app and reads every article I write — even when they're about celebs she's never heard of. Further proof that she's the best!
Pop culture is just as important as politics
We have conversations about everything from Lady Gaga to President Obama. We also discuss Hillary Clinton regularly, and just like me (or maybe I am because of her?) she's a big believer in feminism.
Never stop reading
When I was little, she'd read me Berenstain Bears books. Nowadays, she's still a bookworm and always tells me about the latest book she's reading. She enjoys mysteries, but she's also a huge fan of romance novels. So another lesson = never give up on love stories.
Put others before yourself
If there's anyone who's selfless, it's grandmothers. Mine is constantly thinking of her family — her children, grandkids, and even her grand-dog (as she calls my pup). I know that if I ever truly need something, she'd drop everything and be there.
Happy Grandparents Day to my mom-mom — and to all of yours!
Images: WiffleGif (7)
