Grandparent’s Day is not as widely spoken about as Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, however we know that your Grandparents may be just as important to you. Maybe your grandparent has died and you would like to use this day to remember them. Or you may live with your Grandparent and they may be your primary caregiver, and you want to tell them you love them and spend time with them on Grandparent’s Day. Which is why we’d like to recognise this day as a special day for some children and young people.
You may find comfort in sharing memories of your grandparents who have died. If they died before you were born and you didn’t get to meet them, maybe you could ask your family members to share stories about them with you today. If you did get to meet them and spend time with them, maybe you could reflect on some of the good times you shared together.
Here are some memories from children at a primary school in Bristol who have set up a Growing Hope garden in memory of someone they know who has died.
“I like going to the Garden of Hope because it makes me think of my Nan, and I miss the hugs and kisses. I have grown sunflowers for her, and I am going to take them to her grave.”
Billy
“I really like gardening because it reminds me of my Nan’s garden that was full of flowers. It makes me feel happy as I spent most of my time with her as a I am the oldest grandchild. She was always cheerful and happy and make a joke out of anything and I miss her.”
Max
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“I like gardening it reminds me of my Nan and all the things we did together. We always had fun I miss her the hugs and kisses and presents.”
Jack
“When I have my lunch, I always go to the Garden of Hope to find the lavender as it was her [Nanny] favourite. I talk to her about school, and it makes me feel calm.”
Maisie
For these children, setting up a Growing Hope garden has been a lovely comfort to them and they have a space they can visit when they feel some of the emotions we experience in grief. Remembering our special person who has died can feel overwhelming sometimes, but all of the emotions you might feel are normal.
Grandparents Day can be a day of remembering or spending time with your loved ones. You may like to look at photos of your grandparents if you have some, or you can listen to stories about them, or remember your own memories of them.
If Grandparents Day is a difficult time for you, you can get in touch with us at Winston’s Wish and speak to our practitioners.
Call our Freephone Helpline on 08088 020 021
Email our practitioners ask@winstonswish.org
If you need urgent help, contact our 24/7 Crisis Messenger by texting WW to 85258.
Any questions you have or support you’re seeking, we’re here to make sense of your emotions and grief.