Appreciating grandparents

Since young, I have been taken care of by my grandparents, till a few years back, when they could not cope with the increasing number of grandchildren. I would never forget how my grandmother bathed me or how she always gave in when I wanted something badly.

All these things have created a very strong bond between them and me, much stronger than me, much stronger than the one between me and my parents.

Whenever I have problems, like needing some alteration services, my grandmother would always be there with her sewing machine. She would definitely be the first one I would consult for sure win recipes if I had a home economics test.

Without fail, I would get coins everyday when I was living with them, to save in my piggy bank. It has “grown very heavy” through the years; I still enjoy this habit despite not staying with them anymore. It has taught me how to save up for the rainy days, regardless of amount. Not many people have the chance to ride a motorcycle, but for me, as my grandfather owns one, often brings me on rides on it around the neighbourhood, and I slowly grew to love. Up to today, I am still very much “hooked” on it, and would always bother him to bring me for a ride out!

Wherever she goes, there would always be gifts for me which never fails to catch my attention although she does not earn much. They would be cheap but of high quality, as she can spend an entire day shopping, picking up goodies slowly or simply by fishing for very huge discounts during the Great Singapore Sale.

I love visiting my grandparents, with them around; I would seriously never go hungry. My grandmother’s love for cooking and her creativity had enabled her to combine dishes from the various cuisines, resulting in a very wide range of dishes. She may give me many new surprises every now and then even though she is quite a professional chef in my eyes, her thirst for new ideas constantly motivates her to go for cooking lessons in the Community Centers’ when she was free.

Grandparents, are the only other people than our parents in this vast world, who will show us unconditional love, they would always be there when we need help, be it those history projects whereby we are supposed to gather information for certain events which they happen to experience. They would always readily offer their help.

They may be old but they may still work and support themselves without having to rely on their children; which has won my respect. They showed me that retiring does not mean the end of a meaningful lifestyle, or the beginning of life as an outcast and burden of the society. They are my role models, who taught me many values which can be incorporated to my daily life. These busy people who are so ready to lavish love on their grandchildren should be appreciated.