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44—Lewistown, PA

The Sentinel JUNIATA VALLEY MAGAZINE

Grandkids

Continued from Page 41

them would have to be summers by their pool, going on beach trips and visiting their hometowns to get an insight of their life growing up.”

Younger brother Fletcher shares many of the same sentiments.

“They are a definition of ‘grandparents on the go,’ and never once have been selfish with anything in their lives,” Fletcher says. “They have always taken us with them whether it is going to the beach or going out to eat on a random night or afternoon.

“They have always been hands down the most generous people I know,” he adds. “They have given me life lessons that I will never forget – from small things to the big things. They have helped shape me into the person I am today.”

When Fletcher’s home, he makes a concerted effort to stop in to see his grandparents. Fletcher also was thrilled to play football for his grandfather, the football coach at Juniata High School for half a century.

“Personally, for me my best memories with my grandfather weren’t just playing football for him but sitting in the living room loving life and just having a great time,” Fletcher explains. “My favorite memories with my Nana aren’t the big parties or anything, but just sitting at the kitchen table talking about life and learning lessons from her and my grandfather whether they realized it or not.

“They have always taught us to be humble and kind to everyone we come across,” he adds. “The high standards and morals they represent have inherently been instilled into all of us and we can never thank them enough for that.”

Cousin Rory Klingensmith shares those same feelings. The eldest daughter of Donnie, Gary and Linda’s only son, Rory says her grandparents have spread their love of sports throughout the entire family.

“Not only have they expressed it through their endless support of our games and ceremonies, but also through their support of each other,” Rory says. “Their relationship with each other is one I aspire to match with a partner when I am older.”

She saw how Linda and Gary were a team while he was coaching them. “My Nana has never ceased to support him through that; she was always in the home stands rooting for him and his team, traveling to away games, or at home hosting postgame celebrations,” Rory says.

Rory admires how willing and patient her grandmother was to give her grandfather lots of extra help in situations where his hearing might have been lacking.

“In turn, my Grandpap has always vocally expressed his gratitude for Nana’s loyalty and love,” Rory says. “He has been acknowledged many times for his years in coaching, but never once has he taken all the credit. I’ve always heard him speak so highly and enthusiastically of his wife for being his rock.”

Nothing could keep the Gary and Linda away from seeing their grandchildren shine, not even the current health situation.

“I graduated high school and entered college in the midst of the initial strike of COVID,” Ryan Klingensmith says, reflecting to the pandemic in 2020. “Nana and Grandpap never missed a milestone. Despite the fact that they possibly could have contracted the virus, they chose to spend these moments with our family.

“They were both present for virtual senior awards, virtual graduation and eventually, my grad party,” she adds. “It was a unique year to say the least, but nonetheless they were there every step of the way. We really hit the lottery with them as our grandparents.”

Like his sisters, Rory and Ryan, Maxwell Klingensmith has always felt the love of his grandparents whether it was a big victory or even a forfeit.

“Everybody in our family is extremely active and is involved in many different things,” Max says. “Our branch of the family is a little scattered from the others. That has never stopped Nana and Grandpap. In any of these situations, whether it be football, wrestling, soccer, concerts, etc., I’ve almost never not seen them present in the crowd.

“For example, the other day I had a wrestling match in which I received a forfeit,” he adds. “Despite the boring outcome, Nana and Grandpap were still ecstatic to see me, and the latter even sarcastically added that they ‘drove halfway across the state just to see that happen!’”

Having his grandparents’ backing means the world to Max.

“They’re constant presence in everything has not only encouraged me, but taught me how important support is,” Max says. “That support from our grandparents is always greatly appreciated in our family.”

Ever since Grady Curry started playing sports, his grandparents were always his No. 1 fans in the stands.

“Whether it was a wrestling tournament an hour away on a Saturday morning or a football game on a weekday afternoon, they were always there,” Grady says. “I think it says a lot about them taking time out of their day to drive and watch not only my games, but my cousins as well.”

Ten-year-old Henry Curry might be the youngest of the grandchildren, but he certainly gets equal billing as far as his grandparents are concerned.

“They’re a very big part of my life,” Henry says. “They’re always there for me whether it’s talent shows or plays, maybe flag football. I can always seem them.”

While his older cousins have gotten married or graduated, Henry is just getting into extracurricular activities.

“It’s like everyone got their turn in the spotlight with our grandparents and now it’s my turn. It’s really nice that they are always there.”

Having Grandpap and Nana watching makes him want to give his very, very best.

“They’re my grandparents and they’re a big part of my life, and I want to do something special for them,” Henry explains. “When we won the flag football team championship, I was really proud of them to see that.”

His grandparents have come to see his school talent shows starting in kindergarten and running through third grade. In kindergarten, Henry sang “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” followed by “The Candy Man” in first grade. In second grade, he chose “Maybe” from Annie Then “Sweet Caroline” in third grade. Henry also was in a local theater performance of Into The Woods, singing songs from the musical.

“I’m really, really glad they were there for me,” he adds. “It’s important when I’m going through something hard or even when it’s something special.”

The kids agree — their grandparents are role models.

“Everyone usually has some regrets in life, but I truly believe that someday when they reach the end, they should feel no regrets,” Marnie says. “Because they were always there for their family, whether it was in person, a phone call, or a text message. And they lived their life fully! They never missed going to do things for one another, for their kids, or their grandkids.”

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