Grandparents. They are the heart of a family. The point of connection. The center of memories. Grandparent’s Day is a time to honor them and remember the love they shared so unconditionally. So, this year, the 99 Walks HQ team took a moment to share favorite memories and stories of their grandparents. We hope our stories bring you a smile. Make you chuckle. And maybe stir up some memories of your own.
Jamie: “My grandmother was very much a typical 50s housewife. With a little bit of bad-ass thrown in. My grandparents lived in New Jersey and at one point my grandfather wanted to buy a beach house. Because who wouldn't want a beach house? Apparently, my grandmother. She put her foot down and said no. Her reason? She didn't want to be stuck in the kitchen cooking for all their house guests while they enjoyed the beach! (Because that's what a 50s housewife would have been stuck doing!)
I'm definitely bummed there is not a Jersey Shore beach house in my family but I'm super proud of my bad-ass grandma for sticking up for herself at a time when not many women were doing that!”
Joyce: “My grandmother was strong, creative, independent and before her time. One of my favorite stories is how, as a young woman working as a counselor at a summer camp, she wanted to capture the attention of the handsome counselor at the adjacent boys’ camp who everyone called ‘the professor.’ As family lore has it, my grandmother "borrowed" a horse which she rode — bareback — through boys camp. And capture his attention she did! They enjoyed a long, happy marriage, four children followed by seven grandchildren and then ten great-grandchildren. This story, and the many others around my grandmother's fierce, independent spirit have clearly impacted my family of super-creative, super-entrepreneurial women who have a strong tendency to speak their minds and go after what they want.”
Mary: “I like to say that walking is in my blood, and I get it from my maternal grandparents, my Grammy and Gramps. My earliest memories of spending time at their house always involved a walk to the local water reservoir where we'd explore the trails and play among the vent pipes. But walking to the reservoir was just a small piece of their routine. Every single day, they would take a walk together, no matter the season. On cold days, on windy days, even in rain -- they bundled up and took a walk together. The only time they didn't walk was if the roads were icy.
My grandparents instilled in me a love for walking, and I am proud to carry on that tradition with my own family. And my Grammy hasn't stopped, either. Even today, at age 91 and despite a bad knee, my Grammy still tries to stay as active as possible. And we have no doubt that Gramps is taking regular walks in Heaven.”
Sherry: “In honor of all four of my grandparents, I will share a little family history. Three of my grandparents were born in the Deep South and the fourth was Carribean. Interestingly enough, all four of my grandparents eventually moved and lived in New York to marry and raise their families. I developed a very fond and loving connection with my paternal grandmother who celebrated her 90th birthday last month. She attributes her good health and sharp mind to walking the streets of New York daily for over 60 years! I remember the time I was in grad school in Maryland and travelled to New York by bus to visit her. My grandmother would often say "let's take a quick trip to the store." Before I knew it, I had walked more than 5 miles following my Grandmother around New York. I stopped my Grandmother and asked "I thought we were going for a quick walk to the store?" She replied "This IS a quick walk!" It may have been a quick walk for her, but it was a country mile for me! I love my grandmother, who we affectionately call "GG." She's energetic, feisty and has an incredible memory. I hope to live as long and be as energetic as her. Happy Grandparent's Day!”
Erin: “My Mamo was always up for an adventure. One of my favorite childhood memories is when our whole family — aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents — would vacation together. Sometimes it was pulling the RV to the mountains of Colorado during the summer, or staying closer to home at a Texas state park for a holiday. I can’t help but smile when I think about Thanksgiving at Bastrop State Park full of tall pine trees and hills covered with leaves. We would scrounge up every cardboard box we could find and race down the hill of leaves — the Texas version of sledding. My Mamo, always such a good sport, grabbed a tiny piece of cardboard and slid down the hill of leaves. Her hair blowing in the wind and her eyes filled with joy. The laughter was contagious, the fun simple and natural. I’ll always admire her spirit and courage, and appreciate how she was always willing to try anything.”
Megan: “I will never forget my Nana teaching me to drive. My mom just didn't have the nerve to do it and my Nana decided that she was the woman for the job. My Nana was known for driving a bit too fast and liking to take turns on two wheels, but for some reason, everyone thought this was a great idea. Those hours we spent in her car were the best. We very rarely had a destination in mind, she would just stick me behind the wheel with a full tank of gas and tell me to go! We talked and laughed and had the best time no matter where we ended up. I treasure those memories with her each time my husband complains about how fast I am driving or when I need to slow down around the curves!”
For all the grandparents, we honor you today, and cherish all that you bring to our lives. The wisdom, the inspiration, the laughter, and most importantly, the love. Happy Grandparent’s Day.
