Recently a picture has circulated through the internet of an older gentleman looking down at his food with a sad look on his face. The caption is what caused its popularity though, with it being “dinner with papaw tonight…he made 12 burgers for all 6 grandkids and I’m the only who showed. Love him." I’m going to be honest, the moment I read it my heart broke and a little cry left my lips. How could some kids be so immune to the love grandparents? From the outside it’s so easy to see how much love they have for grandkids, but from the inside it’s easy to not see what you’ve always been used to. Most people are used to grandparents spoiling us in one way or another, whether it’s buying us treats mom normally wouldn’t or always making sure we have our favorite snack in hand. If you can’t tell I associate my Mamaw with food, because that’s her way of showing that she loves someone. I took this for granted when I was younger, and anytime I went over to either grandparents’ house I expected these things and would be upset when I didn’t receive them. Yes, I was a little jerk when I was young. As I grew up though I saw how easily I would hurt their feelings with my words and un-graciousness. I soon realized that they didn’t have to do any of these things for me, they were doing them because they loved me and wanted me to be happy. I’m always grateful now for the small things they do to make me happy, and take every chance I can to tell them I love them. Seeing their joy just because I wanted to talk to them is irreplaceable, and a feeling to cherish for the years to come.

Considering how long they have lived and how much they have experienced, isn’t it crazy to think that what they enjoy most is just spending time with you? Your grandparents have worked their whole life to get to where they are now, and they deserve to freaking relax. But instead they are putting in time for you and your needs. Do young people not get that yet? Whenever they look at you, they see the blessed life they’ve been able to live. One day you will be in their position and be spoiling the heck out of your grands, and you’ll want them to reciprocate the love even if only for a short moment. As you grow up though, they grow old and health problems are bound to happen, it’s inevitable. This is what sets in most people’s realities about how much they truly love their grandparents, but sometimes it’s not soon enough. For all of the young people out there who are still blessed with your grandparents, let them know that you’re grateful for them and how much you love them. It will only take a few seconds but make their entire day and yours too. As crappy as it is, they will not be here one day for you to tell them. There are very few people in the world who will have the unrelenting love that you’re grandparents have for you, so take advantage of it while you can.