Grandparents, Your Words Make a Difference!

“Yes, this message matters.” As I hear people’s stories, those “WOW” moments constantly reinforce how impactful and significant our written words of affirmation can be. And I hope that these stories will inspire you to take action!

Recently, a participant in a virtual workshop shared how significant her late grandmother’s encouragement has been throughout her life. This precious grandmother, Isabel, recently died at the incredible age of 106, and her granddaughter, Shayla Johnson, showed our group an often-read, folded-up letter that she has kept in her wallet for many years.

The letter was handwritten on a small piece of lined paper. It wasn’t fancy or polished. But it holds words of affirmation that have provided fuel, comfort and encouragement to Shayla when she has needed it most. And now that her grandmother is gone and Shayla is deeply grieving her absence, those words are even more cherished.

During the workshop, as she showed her fellow participants the letter, she added: “I want to learn to be affirming like my grandmother was.” The ripple effect continues throughout the generations.

To all of you who are grandparents: please don’t underestimate how life-giving your words of affirmation can be to your grandchildren. Don’t allow perfectionism or the busyness of life stop you from putting pen to paper. Send them something that they can read and re-read as Isabel did for her beloved Shayla. In this era of text messages, it’s easy to settle for sending the quick and easy. But those words likely won’t be re-read. One and done. When you take the time to affirm someone in writing, you’ve given them a gift that can outlast you…even if you live to 106!