Our grandparents have many lessons to teach us. It was from our grandparents, that our parents learned what they have passed onto us. Jessica Diaz, senior, explained that her parents’ strictness was a result of how their parents had raised them.

Grandparents like to be active in our lives. Nick Romanick, senior, explained, “My grandparents live down the street from me. I work on cars with my grandfather while my grandmother makes dinner for us.”

Some grandparents have even raised their grandchildren from birth. Some are so close that their whole family lives together. Brandy Adelstein, sophomore, spends her summers living in Hull with her Grandparents.

Unfortunately, some of us miss out on this special relationship. Derek Fox, freshman, said, “I am not very close with my grandparents because I don’t see them.” However, the time he was with them they went to see the Statue of Liberty together.

Teenagers who have had close relationships with their grandparents talk to them at least once a week. They spend time playing cards, helping them shop, going to church, lunch, and just talking.

Teens had heart warming memories of their grandparents. A smile would emerge and their eyes would sparkle as they shared their story. Grandparents have carved a special place in our hearts. Darlene Hughes, senior, recalled the times that her grandmother took care of her while her father was working. James Shannon, junior, remembers going to Las Vegas with his grandfather. He went on to say, “[My grandparents] are like second parents.” Tony Lamar, senior, talks with his grandparents every day because “they’re sweet.” Anna Fegan, sophomore, enjoys spending time with her grandparents at family parties.

When I think of my grandmother the story that comes to mind is when my relatives ripped apart my pink blanket when I was little. It was dirty and they did not want me to have it anymore. So my grandmother wisely bought me a new pink blanket. My grandfather and I had an equally close relationship. He taught me about my religion; he was there for me at all times. I lived with him during two summers. We played cribbage and he’d laugh when he skunked me. He was more than just a member of my family; he was my friend. After my grandmother died, my grandpa was heart broken. He went to the cemetery twice a day. Once when I was at his house, he sat next to me on the couch, put his arm around me, and he showed me their wedding album. His tears grew as he flipped each new page.

The memories of our grandparents will forever be with us. If distance is the only problem preventing closeness, then consider alternate ways of communicating, such as email, letters, or the telephone.