Grand-Angels: Concordia Residents Share Their Favorite Memories as Grandparents for National Grandparents Day

There are very few people in our lives who are as important, kind and loving as our grandparents. Some might even say one of God’s greatest blessings is having a grandparent or grandparent-figure in our lives. Whether providing words of encouragement, offering wise advice or being our biggest supporter, our grandparents and the seniors who play an important role in our lives every day deserve our greatest respect.

At Concordia, despite the fact that we serve every age group – it’s pretty safe to say that there are a lot of grandparents who are residents, patients and volunteers at our communities. So, to honor them on National Grandparents Day this year (September 13) we decided to ask a few of them to tell us about their favorite memory of grandparenthood. Their heartwarming responses will leave you with a smile! Read what they had to say below and don’t forget to check out the photos at the bottom of the page! Oh, and of course, make sure to do something special for the “grand-angel” in your life this National Grandparents Day.

Jeane V., Concordia of the South Hills: “I live for these kids and my family.”

Julia H., Concordia at Ridgewood Place: “My family is my everything. I have 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. To them I’m known as ‘buba’ (babka) which means grandma in Slovak. It’s been hard now with everything going on because all I want to do is be able to hug and kiss them. My family had a comforter made for me with our family picture on it so they’re always with me.”

Donnie W., Concordia at the Orchard: “One of my avorite memories is with my granddaughter Aurora. She got me a snow globe that plays a beautiful song. She said, ‘I love you grandma so very very much, I got this for you.’ I know it’s not your birthday, so happy grandma’s day to the best grandma in the world. We both cried.”

Nancy O., Concordia at the Orchard: “My grandkids lived close to me and I babysat them often. They were the best grandkids and always took their naps. They had sleepovers with me and they would get ready for bed, come into the hallway and see grandpap in his chair and ask, ‘did I pass ‘spection (inspection)?’ Then they would jump on his knee and after that, it was time for bed. They all grew up well and I’m very proud of all of them.”

Irene M., Concordia at Cabot: “Every year I would ask my grandkids what kind of cake they wanted for their birthday. The best part was baking the cake and then having all of the grandkids over to my house to celebrate and spend time together.”

Doris M., Concordia at Cabot: “When my granddaughter was younger she couldn’t wait to tell me that she went to the beauty shop to get ‘beautified.’ It’s one of my favorite memories.”

Sylvia T., Concordia at Villa St. Joseph: “Seeing my grandson for the first time is a cherished memory. Also, sharing special foods with them like pierogis and spoiling them. I always let them hold on to the money while we shopped!”

Dorothy O., Concordia at Villa St. Joseph: “For me it was always celebrating holidays and birthday parties and LOTS of babysitting!”

Lucy C., Concordia at Villa St. Joseph: “What comes to mind for me is shopping with my granddaughter, taking the grandkids for walks, family dinners, playing games, teaching them to bake and Christmas!”

Ruth M., Concordia at Rebecca Residence: “Grandkids are the bonus we always waited for and when they’re crying and tired, they go home!”

Jack B., Concordia of Monroeville: “I love my grandchildren. Becoming a grandfather was the best thing ever.”

Arlene S., Concordia of Monroeville: “I enjoy talking to and spending time with my six grandchildren!”

Dorothy W., Concordia of Monroeville: “My favorite part about being a grandma was having sleepovers with all of the grandkids together!”

Don & Elaine B., Concordia at Sumner: “Our fondest memories of being grandparents are the family picnics and playing lawn games with our 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

Glenn & Mary Ellen A., Concordia at Sumner: “One of our favorite memories is when our grandson, Ty displayed his Master’s Degree Thesis project at The Savannah College of Art and Design. You could say we’re very proud grandparents.”

Ann C., Concordia of Fox Chapel: “My favorite memory is my granddaughter’s wedding. I love being a grandmother. The kids make you feel special and admired and you always feel you have someone to love. There’s no other kind of love than the love of a grandchild.”

Enjoy the photos below (click thumbnail to enlarge)! If you or a loved one are considering a move to a retirement community or personal care community, visit the care levels and services page of our website to learn more about our services and our locations in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Tampa, Florida. You can also call our headquarters at 724-352-1571 or message us 24/7 through the contact form on our website. Do you have a favorite “grandparent memory” to include? Share it with us in the comment section below!

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