- 26 July, 2025
July 26, 2025: Grandparents are, in every sense, an evergreen gift. Their presence in our families is not merely significant—it is a lasting blessing, a quiet grace that continues to give with unwavering love. Pause for a moment and consider: these cherished souls once nurtured the very parents who raised us. Their essence, their steady and selfless presence, forms the heart of our family’s legacy. They are the living foundation upon which our lives are built.
The Unspoken Warmth They Bring
In today’s fast-paced world, especially here in India where both parents often work all day, children are frequently left in need of more care, warmth, and consistent presence. This is precisely where grandparents step in. They offer that essential being—that constant, loving presence—when parents are occupied with their responsibilities. Like a warm blanket on a cold day or a steady hand to hold when the world feels overwhelming, they become the primary caregivers, the storytellers, the quiet observers who know exactly when a child needs an extra hug or a comforting word.
Consider families who migrate to other countries in search of better prospects. Often, their children are left in crèches, missing out on so much: the warmth, the care, and those invaluable life lessons passed on in silence. The parents, working tirelessly, are at the mercy of the daycare. But here in our beloved Goa, and in countless villages and towns across India, grandparents lovingly step in. They provide irreplaceable love, familiar comfort, and constant, watchful eyes. It’s not just about supervision—it’s about offering a profound sense of security and belonging that no formal daycare can replicate.
Their Quiet, Powerful Influence
I recall a family where the grown children—now adults—came to realise the quiet, remarkable influence of their grandmother. During a lively holiday gathering, siblings and cousins were enjoying each other's company when one remarked, “At least because of her, we come home before time.” Their mother, sitting nearby, overheard it. Isn’t that profoundly beautiful? Even without saying much, without imposing rules, a grandparent’s mere presence can guide us, instil responsibility, and draw us back to the heart of the family.
Grandparents are also the living libraries of our homes. They carry the stories, traditions, and wisdom of generations past. Through their anecdotes, we learn our heritage and the values that shaped it. This intergenerational exchange is vital for a child’s holistic development—fostering empathy, respect for elders, and a deeper appreciation of one’s roots. Through their very existence, they teach us patience, simplicity, and the true meaning of unconditional love.
The Unbearable Pain of Disregard
Yet here lies a heartbreaking truth: despite all their contributions, some grandparents face discrimination and neglect in their own families. Their own children, their own blood, sometimes disown them. They are left alone. Even the humble kompti—their little home—is sometimes taken away to build rental buildings. How can this happen? How can we forget the hands that raised us and the hearts that loved us unconditionally?
This pain, this loneliness, is unbearable. It’s a harsh reality that some of these incredible souls—who gave their entire lives—are left to fend for themselves, their sacrifice dismissed for something as cold as profit.
Let’s Cherish Them, Always
Today, as the Church celebrates the feast of St. Anna and St. Joachim—the grandparents of Mother Mary—let’s not just remember them, but truly feel their importance. Let’s appreciate and cherish them, never letting their immense love and contributions go unnoticed. They are the roots of our family trees, the steady compass of our lives, and the quiet guardians of our past and future. Without them, we lose a profound part of ourselves.
Yes, on this Grandparents’ Day, let us not merely acknowledge their existence but honour their spirit and their legacy—contributions that go far beyond childcare. For they are the anchors of our families, the keepers of our history, and the gentle guides who shape our future. Take time to visit them, to call, to listen to their stories, and to express your gratitude. The evergreen gift that grandparents represent is a treasure beyond measure.
By Sr. Molly Fernandes SFN
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