Why Grandparents Are Grand

When American Profile asked readers to tell us about their grandparents, we received a mailbox full of endearing letters describing how special these people are in the lives and memories of their grandchildren.
Some of the submissions were genealogical sketches of immigrants who came to America or biographical descriptions of hard-working pioneers who settled the West. Others recalled fond memories of grandmothers cooking Sunday dinner, grandfathers taking their grandchildren fishing, and grandparents sharing their life’s wisdom, stories and lessons. What all of the submissions have in common is an expression of a deep love, respect and admiration by adoring grandchildren for their doting grandparents.
Many letters read like the one from Rebecca Leyendecker of Grove City, Minn. "They really are the superglue that holds our family together," wrote Leyendecker about Harland and Darlene Heairet of Paynesville, Minn. "I believe I speak for my whole family in saying that we have the greatest grandparents anyone could ever have."
Below is a small portion of the submissions we received.

Our Madear always had time for her children. She would take us on picnics and kite flying at least twice a month during the spring and summer of Texas. We’d all look forward to baking our first cake with Madear. She told us we always had to add love as our final ingredient. Our grandmother taught us to put God first, share with others and let everything we do be done out of love.
—Monica Boyd, 38, of Albuquerque, N.M., granddaughter of Mary Boston of Dallas, Texas

Memaw is my best friend. She does things just for me, like sewing my clothes and telling me about my mother when she was my age. She teaches me how to do grown-up things. We have grown real vegetables you can eat, baked loaves of bread and gone to visit people. Memaw says she doesn’t have much but she had lots of love, and when I am with her I have more love to share.
—Gwyen Elizabeth Sutphin, 7, of Starkville, Miss., granddaughter of Gwyen Dye, also of Starkville

My grandparents live on a big farm in North Dakota. My grandma is an awesome cook and grandpa makes me laugh. Grandpa is having trouble remembering, so Grandma tries to help him. They love each other very much. Grandma loves me a lot, and even if Grandpa can’t remember my name, I know he loves me too.
—Joseph Gates, 8, of Batavia, N.Y., grandson of Eunice and Paul Gion of Regent, N.D.

Allen Hudson, my grandfather, was the grandson of Edward Hudson, a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1856, Allen prospected for gold in California. As a Confederate soldier, he fought at the Battle of Pea Ridge. After the war, he was elected judge, then sheriff, of Barry County, Mo. He later became a bank president. In 1917, he was appointed by Missouri Gov. Frederick Gardner to be a delegate to the formation of the League of Nations.
—Don Hudson, 74, of Conway, Ark., who has four grandchildren of his own

I cannot imagine life without my "Nanny." She is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She’s energetic, loving, caring and has devoted her entire life taking care of all her family (especially me for 35 years). She is a good Christian woman who reads her Bible and prays daily. She has so much love and energy, even at 89 years old, and we love, admire and adore her and wish we were like her.
—Paul Triplett, 35, of Monrovia, Md., grandson of Sarah Ann Barr, also of Monrovia

My grandfather, William Fletcher Weir, was a Scotsman by descent and a former Texas Ranger—and equally proud of both. Granddad rode over to our ranch house to visit about once a month, and I spent many happy afternoons listening to him tell stories of his Ranger days. And sometimes he would tell me tall tales like the one about Pecos Bill. When it was time to go, he’d pat me on the head and say, "Well, so long, Hon, and may the good Lord take a likin’ to you." Of course, Granddad has been dead many years now. But I can see him right now, leaning back against a white cloud entertaining the other angels with one of his yarns. And I have always felt sure that the Lord "took a likin’ to him."
—Clarabel Weir Tanner, 86, The Villages, Fla., who has two grandchildren of her own

I love my grandma because she loves me. She drives over 300 miles to see my family and I. Grandma is 68 years young and still goes on the waterslide with me. My grandma is very special to me because she makes sacrifices for me. When I want to do something and she wants to do something, we always do what I want to do. I love my grandma.
—Abby Harder, 10, of Birchwood, Wis., granddaughter of Paulene Harder of West Bend, Wis.

My grandpa grew the reddest, most luscious tomatoes known to man. Yes, his purple-hull peas were delectable and his okra out of this world... but oh boy! those tomatoes. They are still my definition of May, of simple pleasures, and of Grandpa. What made my grandpa special was his patience, his perseverance, his ingenuity, his humanity, his integrity, his endurance, and his tomatoes.
—Beth Schaaf, 16, of Galveston, Texas, granddaughter of the late James Clinton

My grandma . . . happens to be my hero and inspiration, yet this relationship would be nothing without the art of talking. I call my grandma for consultations nightly, and anticipate wisdom on each occasion. Therefore, MeMa and I will continue our sessions, exchanging opinions until we have solved "all the world’s problems," as MeMa muses.
—Rebecca Webber, 18, of Cranston, R.I., granddaughter of Frances Carcieri, also of Cranston

They are the kindest, most generous people I have ever known. They gladly assumed the role of parents when I was 5, and have been my heroes in my adult years. They have never been selfish with time, or possessions, often denying themselves in order to help family and friends, never expecting anything in return. I have never heard them grumble, complain or speak badly of anyone. They are the perfect example of love.
—Timothy M. Swarts of Tullahoma, Tenn., grandson of Sally and the late Herald Swarts of Cisco, Ill.

No person that I know ever had a greater grandmother than I had. She was my constant companion, mentor and role model until she passed away when I was 7 years old. Grandmother was loving, kind and possessed a great sense of humor. She was also a master storyteller, and to this day I tell my own grandchildren some of the fascinating tales that I learned from that lovely lady. I still miss her keenly.
—Philip A. Pfeifer, 77, of Salem, S.C., grandson of the late Rosannah Kearns

At about age 4, my grandfather taught me how to read. He believed reading was a prized possession. I remember that night crystal clear. It was raining and I asked my grandfather if he could teach me to read. He immediately dropped what he was doing and began to teach me the basics. By the end of the night, I could read several simple words. That night, nine years ago, will never be forgotten.
—Anisha Raj, 13, of San Jacinto, Calif., granddaughter of the late Mukund Patel

I am the luckiest girl in the world. I have the best papa ever. My papa is always busy helping others. He coaches me in track. When I was little he coached me in basketball and baseball. My papa is always there for me when I need him. He is the nicest guy I know. I love him so much.
—Jordan McGregor Hansen, 11, of Peshastin, Wash., granddaughter of Roy McGregor of Leavenworth, Wash.

When I was 17 years old, I was anxiously awaiting my senior prom. One week before the dance, my boyfriend broke up with me. I soon received a call from my grandfather. He asked me if he could take me to the prom. Tears rolled down my face as I gladly accepted. My grandpa proudly escorted me to the dance, and in his own gentle way, helped me heal the pain of my broken heart.
—Teddi K. Bevan, 38, of Tooele, Utah, granddaughter of Thurman "Toby" Shields, also of Tooele

first appeared: 8/28/2005