Sunday, Sept. 10 was Grandparents’ Day. This day was started through the efforts of Marion McQuade of Oak Hill, WV, and is always celebrated on the second Sunday of September. It became a national holiday in 1978. 23.5 percent of Greenbrier County residents are over the age of 65 and over four million grandparents are currently the primary care givers of their grandchildren. Grandparents’ Day is a time to remember those who have passed and a time to honor those who are still with us.
The best gift you can give a grandparent or older member of your family or family friend is your time. Sharing and learning from one another is a great way to celebrate the day. When asked what the best thing was about being a grandparent, seniors answered with “getting a hug,” “reading a story to my grandson,” “watching my granddaughter play soccer,” “watching them grow up,” “being with my family.”
During the time of Covid19, many grandparents were not able to spend time with their families. Many were isolated and alone or only seeing family infrequently. Many elders may be vulnerable, and some have become victims of elder abuse. The Greenbrier Co. Elder Abuse Awareness Committee is working to make all aware of this issue and provide resources for those who are victims.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of elder abuse, call the Family Refuge Center at 304-645-6334 for help. In addition,the Greenbrier County Committee on Aging provides services for seniors in our community at 304-645-1978. We can all share and learn from our older citizens and take some time to honor them by giving a call, a visit; do something “grand” for our grandparents.
