Earlier this week (I’m writing this in late February), I was privileged to be interviewed for the podcast “Pillars of Purpose.” The episode will be aired this summer. During the course of the interview, we got onto the topic of “Leaving a Legacy,” particularly as it related to our role as grandparents. I was reminded of how frequently we take those opportunities for granted.
My wife and I have six grandkids. Two of them live on the east coast and aside from weekly Facetime calls, we only get to see them once a year. Our other four live in Denver, about an hour and a half up the road. We are truly fortunate to have them that close – and what an opportunity.
We get to see them for birthday parties; they come down and spend the night (and make a disaster of the house); we get to see them in sports activities; and have lots of chances to hang out. Our grandkids range from ages 1 to 9, and they all think that we are pretty cool and like to spend time with Grandpa and Grandee. But we are acutely aware that it won’t be too many years until we won’t be that cool anymore and their friends will be the center of the universe. Our time and influence with them will be paired down. Savor the moments.
So, we have to ask ourselves, “What kind of legacy do we want to leave for the next generation of our families? Are there particular values, pieces of family history, even connection to our faith – that we want to leave our grandchildren. I don’t know what your own experiences were with your grandparents, but as grandparents today, I know that it is my desire to leave a legacy that will serve them well as they live this life. I hope that is your desire as well.