I was fortunate to have met all four of my grandparents, and knew Ben & Ann Greiner, and Anthony Schmitt Sr. well. Cecilia Schmitt died when I was six years of age.
They were all an intergral part of my life until they died. The three of them attended my college graduation, and dinner after. I was very happy, honored , & appreciative they all came. ♥️♥️
.
I worked in the fields, and barns beside AJS Sr. from about age of 10 until 22.
I was fortunate to have visited with him in hospital an hour or so before he died. Even then he told the nurse how he looked up to (taller) his grandson. 😂😂 Proud farmer, but prouder of his family. I learned both farm & life skills from the man who only had an elementary level formal education.
Grandma Greiner was alive for the births of both my daughters, yep a great grandmother. ♥️ Witnessed & celebrated my wedding day, and also witnessed the Catholic baptism of my eldest child .
She made the trip up to Rochester many a time.
Grandpa G. was a retired potato farmer by the time I came onto scene.
But, was still doing some farm stuff on the side. I helped when I was I lucky enough to stay overnight for a visit. We all loved to stay at the Greiner homestead.
He was dear friend to many, host of weekly card games in barn, and loved baseball & NY Mets. I can still picture him sitting in his comfortable chair with reading glasses, NY Daily News, and cigar. Don't bother him while he's reading his paper.
Miss 'em all, but appreciate them for all they did for me & the lessons they instilled in me. ♥️
Look with Love
Look with love on grandparents the world over.
Protect them!
They are a source of enrichment
for families and for all of society.
Support them!
As they grow older,
may they continue to be for their families
strong pillars of Gospel faith,
guardian of noble domestic ideals,
living treasuries of sound religious traditions.
Make them teachers of wisdom and courage,
that they may pass on to future generations the fruits
of their mature human and spiritual experience.
Help families and society
to value the presence and roles of grandparents.
May they never be ignored or excluded,
but always encounter respect and love.
Help them to live serenely and to feel welcomed
in all the years of life which you give them.
Keep them constantly in your care,
accompany them on their earthly pilgrimage,
and by your prayers, grant that all families
may one day be reunited in our heavenly homeland,
where you await all humanity
for the great embrace of life without end.
Amen.
Finally, wise words from Mother Teresa, for grandparents as much as parents. 🙏✝️☺️♥️
Comments
Post a Comment