Why Is It We Congratulate Grandparents?

I have two new grandchildren last month.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

Why? Why do we offer congratulations to the grandparents?

I wasn’t there when my newest grandchildren were born. The most recent one was last Tuesday. Nevaeh was born in Provo, Utah and I was a couple thousand miles away in Columbus, Ohio. My lovely wife was there to help. Maybe she deserves some credit.

My daughters have been on their own for many years. Like many adult children, they want to be independent. . .until they don’t. We’ve worked hard to help them build their own lives, careers and families.

So, why do I deserve any praise?

The humorous answer is that grandchildren are a reward to parents for not killing their children.

My daughters are adopted. I have no blood bond with my grandchildren. But, the bond of love and family is as strong as it is with any of my children or grandchildren.

These represent my seventh and eighth grandchildren. Four of my grandkids are biological and four are through adoption. It’s not a distinction we dwell on. Kids are kids and grandkids are grandkids.

I’m still not sure why grandparents get praise. But, I’ll take it.

I used to think being a grandparent would make me feel old. Instead I just feel great.

Rodney M Bliss is an author, columnist and IT Consultant. His blog updates every weekday. He lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with his lovely wife, thirteen children and grandchildren.

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