November 27, 2025
Grandchildren are the crown of the elderly. Proverbs 17:6 CEB
Two years ago, I couldn’t attend Anne-Sophie’s fourth-grade Grandparents Day Program, the last one before she would graduate to High School Prep (a.k.a. Middle School) the following year. I had a legitimate excuse. I’d had cataract surgery one week before and couldn’t miss the follow-up appointment. She asked me several times, and even called me the night before asking, “Nana, are you coming to Grandparents’ Day?” to which I had to inform her I couldn’t.
She was very disappointed and expressed her feelings appropriately three days later when I was present for Thanksgiving. Fast-forward to Christmas that year. Rod and I were spending Christmas Day with her and the family. She handed me a gift-wrapped package, which I opened with great anticipation. Inside was a hand-made photo frame with the words “Holy Trinity Grandparents Day” hand-painted. Inside the frame was a photo of Anne-Sophie, with the saddest look imaginable. She said, “Nana, I was the only person in my class who didn’t have a grandparent present.” Ouch!
Although I’d attended several field trips with her over the years and had shown up for concerts, not being present for Grandparents Day had apparently hit a nerve. I determined that I would never again miss one of our grandchildren’s events and activities unless it was impossible.
Fast-forward to this Grandparents’ Day. Our younger granddaughter, Marie-Helene, was very excited that Rod and I would be present. Although she is very shy, she proudly introduced us to her classmates and teacher after the Grandparents Day Program and taught us a math game she loves. Her face glowed with pride when she beat us twice in a row.
Before our first grandchild was born, I had no idea how much they would add to my life. I might not have a visible crown, but I don’t need one. I think my smile glows when I am with them, even when I was changing dirty diapers or bored with playing hospital.
I suspect that God feels the same thing about us, God’s beloved children. I know God was smiling when this picture was taken. So were we! Very grateful for grandchildren. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 