A few decades ago, West Virginian Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade had an idea that turned into a mission. Her mission gained local momentum.  Then state momentum.  And finally, with help of civic, church and political leaders, Marian saw her idea pass into legislation by the United States Congress… and in 1978, the Grandparents Day proclamation was signed by President Jimmy Carter.

Marian had been an avid advocate for the elderly for many years before her idea to honor Grandparents came to her.  She had, in fact, dedicated her life to advocating for the elderly, particularly the lonely elderly in nursing homes.   And Marian also wished to help grandchildren understand the great wisdom and heritage of their grandparents.

Well, Marian… what a remarkable purpose you have given to all of us.  Grandparents Day is now celebrated each year on the first Sunday following Labor Day.  The autumn season of celebration was chosen to symbolize and signify the autumn years.

Let’s all celebrate this special Grandparents Day, on Sunday, September 7th, in the way Marian first intended it to be celebrated…  To honor grandparents.  To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.  And to help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

The most wonderful way to honor grandparents and special elderly people in your life is through the gift of TIME.  Visits are the most special gifts of all, with lots of hugs and kisses and conversations.  Even the youngest children know the magic of hugs and kisses.  And the older children can appreciate the magical stories of yesteryear.  You know, the ones where Grandpa trudged through snow “this deep” just to get to school on a snowy winter day.  And the ones when Grandma hit a baseball farther than all the boys, so she wasn’t allowed to play with them again!

How about on this Grandparents Day you bring along a video camera and “interview” your special older family members and friends.  Start each question with, “In your day”… and add the fun, interesting and fabulous who, what, when, where, why and how questions.  Like, “In your day, what XBOX games did you like?”  Wait for those fun answers!  Or, “In your day, what was your screen name?”  Oh, boy!  Talk about sharing the tools of different generations.  Let the fun begin.

And if you cannot physically visit your older “friends,” how about a phone call interview… with a tape recorder or video chat?  As a certified “older” person, I know that I never run out of things to say… !  You should easily be able to transcribe the conversation into a beautiful hard copy keepsake for both the grandchildren and the grandparent(s).  Add personal child illustrations/drawings, and the rest is, literally, history.

The most perfect and valuable lesson in life is the ability to honor and respect others.  These lessons begin at home.  These lessons begin with our own families.  These lessons are gifts that cannot be purchased.

These lessons begin with you.

Let’s all spend this Sunday honoring our elderly population.  Let’s spend this Sunday thinking of Marian McQuade, a woman with a mission that has, at its core, life’s highest purpose.

HONOR.

For your own children, please find the TIME.