Reflection

The 23rd July marks the World day for Grandparents and the elderly.  As a child my grandmother lived with us at our home and was an integral part of our development and a central figure in our lives and made me the adult I have become today.  She was fiesty, determined, generous, artistic, adventurous and above all kind.  She fostered in me a love of learning and the arts and was always with me every step of my journey as a child. We had an amazing bond.

The reflection below highlights how much we learn from our grandparents and elders and the importance of fostering these connections.

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN’T LOOKING 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, 

And I immediately wanted to paint another one. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, 

And I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favourite cake for me, 

And I learned that the little things in life could be the special things in life. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer,

And I knew there is a God I could always talk to, and I learned to trust in God. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, 

I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of your house and everyone in it, 

And I learned we have to take care of what we are given. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, 

Even when you didn’t feel well, 

And I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s alright to cry. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared, 

And I wanted to be everything that I could be. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I needed to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. 

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say,

‘Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.''

Loving God, 

Bless all grandparents and special people in the lives of these children. Those gathered with us here today, those who cannot be with us and those who have gone to be with you. May they heed your call to share their wisdom and faith with us. May they have courage and confidence to hand on your gifts of experience and knowledge, of stories, songs and memories. May they continue to learn and grow with us day by day. Bless them with length of days and joy at the last. 

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.