As a young adult, you probably rolled your eyes more than once as your grandparents gave you their advice. Stories of walking 100 miles to school, usually barefoot and in the rain or snow probably preceded lectures on waste and spending money on frivolities. We’ve all been there.
Inevitably, like other generations before you, a time came when you realized that the lessons they taught you actually stuck and shaped who you are today.
In honor of grandparents and the knowledge and life lessons that they pass down with the kind of love that only a grandparent can give, we share some of those lessons with you.
Here are valuable life lessons learned from grandparents as shared by three of our clients.
“Never make fun of someone because they have an accent and don’t sound like you. It means they speak more than one language.” – Gina D.
My grandfather, a proud European man, tried to learn English the few years he lived in Canada. He found it incredibly difficult and only learned a handful of words, but his pride when he spoke those few words – even when they didn’t make sense – was very evident. To him, speaking multiple languages meant more opportunities. I went on to learn 3 other languages which has served me well in my career and given me and my brothers the lifelong gift of being accepting of others, regardless of our differences.
“Think before you spend.” – John C.
As a kid, I would run to the convenience store and spend my allowance on chips, pop, and playing on the video game machine in the store. The money would all be gone before I walked out of the store and I’d spend the rest of the week complaining that I didn’t have any money. My grandfather taught me how to budget my allowance so that it would last. I opened my first bank account and with his guidance and learned to save money.
“Laugh all the time, as much as you can. It will keep you young and make everything better.” – Anna S.
My grandmother laughs all the time and she is over 100 years young now. Growing up, my siblings and I learned to see the lighter side of everything and the value of laughter and making your own happiness. It has gotten us through some of the darkest times in our lives. We are often praised by others for our positivity and told that our laughter and good spirits are infectious. We’re all also quite young-looking for our ages, which is a nice bonus that we attribute to all the laughing!
David Porter, CPCA
Director
Living Assistance Services – Senior Home Care