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All in the Family Celebrating Our Grandparents
BY TARA MENDANHA
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Grandparents. They love unconditionally and pamper endlessly. There’s nothing like a warm hug from Grandma, adventures with Grandpa, and precious time spent in their company. My own 20-month-old can’t wait to see her Mimi, Gampi, Gran, and Gramps every day. Unfortunately, they live abroad so she has to settle for a video chat. If you’re lucky enough to have a grandparent, cherish them. After all, as someone once said: “Grandparents make the world a little softer, a little kinder, and a little warmer.” Happy Grandparents’ Day (September 13) to the ones below and all the others out there! Owners of Sutter Street Taqueria, Paul and Rosario have good food and good company readily available for their three grandbabies. Antonio (14) is an old soul who enjoys having deep conversations about life; Leo (10) is high-energy and always ready for a good time; and Stefano (8) is a non-verbal autistic boy with a good understanding of the world. “Antonio was born on Christmas,” shares Rosario. “When he was young, I let him know that if he called me “Grandma,” he would get one combined gift for Christmas and his birthday, but if he called me “Mama Chayo” (nickname for Rosario), he’d get separate gifts. To this day, none of the three boys have ever called me “Grandma!” Ramona Nelson, aka “Coco” from Placerville
What does it mean to be a grandparent today?
Our world is different today, because of technology. We can easily see each other, talk any time, and text “goodnight.” My “grandmothering” isn’t much different than my mother’s. The world can’t alter the unconditional love of a grandma!
Paul Hayes and Rosario Rodriguez, aka What are the perks of the job?
“Papa Paul” and “Mama Chayo” from Folsom It’s a magical job. The love and acceptance from my grandson are gifts. When I’m making dinner or folding laundry and a little voice says: “Coco, I love you,” [that’s the best part] of the day!
What does it mean to be a grandparent today?
Grandparents are an integral part of raising a family, with so many types of family structures existing today. My husband and I have a trusting relationship with the boys, and they talk to us about everything. We guide them through difficult events because we want to help them make good decisions.
What are the perks of the job?
The best part is all the fun things we get to do with the kids. Our home is a getaway from their normal lives.
Has the pandemic affected your relationship with your grandchildren?
COVID-19 put a damper on the extracurricular activities we normally do during the summer.
What is your hope for future generations? Do you have any words of wisdom for them?
My hope is that they will be humanitarians and utilize their God-given talents to make this world a better place. I encourage them to value themselves for how God made them and do things to the best of their ability. This big-hearted, spoil-em-rotten grandma has an eight-year-old grandson and fourmonth-old granddaughter. “My grandson is the joy of my life…I always feel his love for me,” she shares. “He asked me one day, ‘Why do you always say ‘of course’ when I ask you if I can have something or do something?’ I told him it’s my job as a grandmother to say yes!” She describes her granddaughter as being a bundle of pure love. “I look forward to getting to know her as she grows.”
Has the pandemic affected your relationship with your grandchildren?
I can’t take them to places I would have before. We spend a lot of time together and limit our time out in public. Life is simple again—we work in our garden, play games, and have sleepovers. It’s good to slow down and enjoy each other.
What is your hope for future generations? Do you have any words of wisdom for them?
I hope parents teach their children to honor nature’s gifts. I hope every young person has the opportunity to further their education. Know that family and friends are more important than money. Always be true to yourself. Never judge yourself by how others see you but only by how you see yourself. Always follow your dreams. Don’t accept “no” for an answer.
Sandra Scott, aka “Grandma/Gram/Mimi” from Roseville
Bubbling with life and generous in spirit, this singing grandma has five grandkids and enough love to go around. Noah (12) is friendly and loves World War II paraphernalia; James (10) is creative and musical; Parker (11) is a gentle soul and talented artist; Sophia (4) is funny and loves to play hide and seek with her Mimi; and Chloe (2) is a “dimpled darling” who adores her siblings. Sandra recalls, “I was taking the boys to Target to buy Pokemon cards and said, ‘You guys just come with Gram for the stuff.’ James immediately retorted, ‘Gram, it’s about the journey!’”
John and Ann are fun and adventurous and have built a stockpile of memories with the boys—with many more to come. Ty (17) is quiet yet competitive; Dylan (16) is opinionated and athletic; Mason (14) is responsible and confident; Reilly (10) is creative and curious; Mateo (5) is self-assured but reserved; and Jack (4) is assertive and keeps up with his older brothers. Ann’s children bought her a bright pink scooter in order to keep up with this lively bunch!
What does it mean to be a grandparent today?
It means an extra pair of hands for Mom and Dad, supporting the parents, and being another person who loves the kids. Today’s world throws so much at children that they’re not ready for. We, as grandparents, are another voice of reason.
What are the perks of the job?
I get to indulge them if I want and it’s OK! I bring tablets, games, and art supplies for the boys. Sophia and Chloe like my “old lady” gum.
Has the pandemic affected your relationship with your grandchildren?
It only affected my seeing the kids for about three weeks. Once we had all been in quarantine, we felt safe being together.
What is your hope for future generations? Do you have any words of wisdom for them?
My hope for my grands is that they each develop a personal relationship with the Lord and trust Him; I also hope they take their time and not sacrifice their futures at the altar of the present.
What does it mean to be a grandparent today?
Forty years ago, we saw a Disney movie that had a line we’ve always remembered: “The last job a grandparent has on earth is to teach their grandkids.”
John and Ann Hogan, aka “Papa” and
What are the perks of the job?
We get to see them often and spend quality time together. We started “Papa Tuesdays” and “Honey Mondays.” Now they call or text to see if we can do those days each week.
Has the pandemic affected your relationship with your grandchildren?
They have ideas of where they want to go but with the pandemic, trips are harder, so we’ve been watching movies in our backyard or swimming at a friend’s house.
What is your hope for future generations? Do you have any words of wisdom for them?
We hope they carry on the tradition of quality time with their children and grandchildren. [We hope they learn] manners and respect for all and to leave a place cleaner than when they got there. Generous with their time, cuddles, and sweets, Clement and Aida are impossible not to love—and loved they are, by Juniper (1) who’s equal parts cute and smart; Charlie (2) who’s happy, handsome, and sweet; and Alice (5 going on 13), who’s saucy and independent. “As grandparents, we’ve had to dance the ‘Gangnam Style’ with Charlie, have pears at hand for when Alice asks for ‘pows,’ and vigorously bounce in order to get Juniper to fall asleep—which is a workout when you’re in your 60s!”
Clement and Aida Lim, aka “Kong
Kong” and “Amah” from Auburn
What does it mean to be a grandparent today?
It means everything and makes us incredibly joyful. Seeing our kids happily married with a family of their own is the most precious gift.
What are the perks of the job?
Spoiling them and then sending them back to their parents! Also, having little ones around to play and laugh with keeps us young at heart. As parents of two boys, it’s fun to have granddaughters to do “girly” things with.
Has the pandemic affected your relationship with your grandchildren?
We’re definitely more cautious now— washing our hands frequently and staying home.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future generations?
Respect your elders, always be kind, and get an education.
