Honoring Grandparents

July 26 is the fiesta of San Joaquin and Sta. Ana, the Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are the patron saints of grandparents, Senior Citizens and the elderly. By their prayers, love and humility, Sta. Maria became obedient, helpful and holy that the heavens chose her to be the mother of God, the Son, Jesus Christ.

We thank them for teaching us to be prayerful to know God and to accept that without God, we can do nothing. Our religiosity started when we began to crawl under the ever watchful eyes of our parents and grandparents. Sometimes, during Sunday mass, when we feel bored, restless, our Mama with endless patience say “hilom, pagpuyo, hapit na mahuman”. Our elders are our models. God gave them a special duty which they performed tirelessly, leading their children and grandchildren to obey God by examples of patience, humility, obedience, and love.

Grandparents so love their grandchildren that they side with them when parents and children disagree. I don’t mind my children saying, “ayan ginaspoil mo ang iyong apo.” I feel very, very bad when I see my grandchildren sad/crying. We, Lolos and Lolas side always with our apo but we do not interfere in the way they are disciplined. Please try to understand. We have a few more years left. We want our grandchildren to remember us always with a smile; the best Lola, Lolo ever.

Our job to discipline our children ended when they got married/became adults. It is not our job to discipline our grandchildren, scold, reprimand, and raise our voices against them. We will never never do that. We can already see the sunset.

The only joy and consolation we have is being with our playing, laughing, noisy, caring, and thoughtful grandchildren. Don’t ever take that happiness from us while we live. Happy Grandparents Day! Viva San Joaquin! Viva Sta. Ana!