There’s something magical about the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild that makes it such a unique blessing.
“Grandchildren are the crowning glory and ultimate delight of old age,
and parents are the pride of their children.” Proverbs 17:6
This magic was officially recognized in the United States in 1979, when then-President Jimmy Carter named the first Sunday after Labor Day as the official holiday honoring grandparents in the U.S.
The push for this celebration was started all the way back in 1970, however, by Mrs. Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, who with her husband of over 60 years, had 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild at the time of her passing.
Mrs. McQuade firmly believed in the power of intergenerational relationships to promote family well-being and envisioned Grandparents Day as a day of love, reunion, and community service.
Now, Grandparents Day celebrations are headed by Generations United to achieve 3 purposes:
- To honor grandparents
- To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for the children’s children
- To help children become aware of the strength, information, and guidance older people can offer
St. Paul’s celebrates its own Grandparents Day on the Friday of our annual Book Fair, this year to take place on November 16. In honor of all our grandparents, we hope to see you there!
“Like a devoted gardener, I will pour sweet water on parched land,
streams on hard-packed ground;
I will pour My spirit on your children and grandchildren—
and let My blessing flow to your descendants.
And they will sprout among the grasses, grow vibrant and tall
like the willow trees lining a riverbank.” Isaiah 44:3-4
We encourage all our families to take some time this week to find an activity to share with grandparents, building those special memories that will last a lifetime.