As we enter another edition of Grandparents
Day, it’s time to double the fun quotient. ‘Fun’ may perhaps be a misplaced
word, not one often associated with our treasured senior citizens, but as many
grandchildren will testify, grandparents are indeed an indulgent bundle of fun
and their best buddies to boot!
“When one talks of grandparents, one often
thinks of grey haired, grumpy old people with whom the generation gap cannot be
bridged. But my grandson Anoush, who is all of two years, firmly believes I am
his best friend with whom he can not only play, but fight and even beat when I
cannot comprehend his baby language,” laughs octogenarian U M Shridhar as he
works on a block-puzzle with his grandson. “He is continually talking and
asking questions to which I am supposed to have all the answers. Spending time with
my grandchild is a panacea for all my ills. And what is more heartening is that
he brings me something new every time he goes out.”
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At 65, Shanti Gadekar from Aldona is a
reservoir of lively family history and experience, but when it comes to her
grandson, six-year old Samrit, there’s a whole new world to discover. “He is
constantly tutoring me about the TV and the mobile. He brings home interesting
stories about his school and friends. He’s a bundle of lively mischief and I am
his chosen partner. So when we are not playing ball or Snakes and Ladders, we
take long walks in the garden, weeding and gardening together. And on any
family outing, he insists I accompany him,” says a delighted Shanti. “Aiee is
my friend,” declares Samrit as he shares his soft drink with her. “I miss her
if she is not around. When I go to Dubai for holidays, I keep calling her,” he
chirps in.
These grandparents belong to the privileged
class of those who have their grandchildren at close quarters. But for those
who do not, technology helps to bridge the gap, in more ways than one.
“Skype keeps us constantly in touch,” avers
Lina Pires who enjoys an excellent rapport with her 10-year-old granddaughter
Pia Pereira, residing in Dublin. “We exchange lot information on Skype, especially
on various educational topics. In fact, she’s always asking me a whole lot of
riddles and expects an answer.” But when they meet up on holidays either at
Miramar in Goa, or Dublin, it’s time to indulge in their favourite pastimes.
“When we are in Dublin, we visit a lot of museums, go swimming and wind down
the night with a bedtime story. Similarly, when she is down in Goa, we do a lot
of fun activities – visiting places, cooking up a meal or playing a duet on the
piano,” avers Lina, who enjoys having all her grandchildren around, without
being over-indulgent. “I am someone who likes to set standards,” she maintains.
To Pia, grandmom Lina is a personification
of fun. “She is someone to have fun with. We do a lot of fun stuff together.”
So as we celebrate another Grandparents
Day, observed on the feast day of biblical grandparents Saints Joachim and
Anne, let us reiterate our love for our senior citizens who are our best
buddies too!
