World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly 2024

Today is World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, an annual event set up by Pope Francis 4 years ago to honour the role grandparents play in society as well as within families. “Do not cast me off in my old age” is the theme for the 2024 celebration of the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

To celebrate this day, we invited our staff to share memories of their grandparents. Read what Jean, Denise and Beverlely have to say:

“I lost my grandparents some time ago but both my parents and parents in law are alive and I see how they interact so well with my own children and all my nieces and nephews.
Both parents and grandparents have instilled in me and my family strong values and morals and have thought us over the years about the importance of family, hard work, honesty and kindness. Their life experiences have definitely shaped our understanding of right and wrong. Their stories and life experiences have definitely given us a good perspective on what is important in life and has helped us to appreciate more what we have.
My grandparents were there, and my children’s grandparents are there to listen and offer advice and encouragement through all the different stages of our lives.
I miss my grandparents dearly but we are so lucky to have both sets of grandparents in our children’s lives as I know this is something rare”.
Jean

“My memory of my grandparents is a foundation of my life. I was lucky to have all 4 in my life and to bank all those memories. They are a precious and unique relationship in any child’s life. They enlighten me about where my parents’ came from, how they lived and what they were taught. Not everyone is so lucky to have these memories. I would give anything now, as an adult, to be able to sit down with them and have a cup of tea and a chat. If you are lucky enough to have grandparents in your life, enjoy them!”
Denise

“My grandmother was born in 1919. I never met anyone who didn’t adore her. She was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She just had the basic standard of education provided at the time but she was the most intelligent person I have ever known.
I learned to be kind, have empathy, to put others needs ahead of my own, to be decrete when helping someone – never for praise or glory. I learned I am not better than anyone or inferior to anyone. Never judge anyone or hate a person. I learned to be strong watching her and learning about her life, she was a strong lady in mind. She passed those morals to her children, especially my mother. I miss my grandmothers laughter more than anything.”

Beverley

The picture is of Beverley’s grandmother. Thanks for sharing Beverley.