Grandparents Day: Celebrate this Sunday!

My grandmother is one of my heroes. From her I got my love of learning and of life, my resolve and even my bratty sense of humour!

I also learned from my grandmother that it is never too late to do the things you've always wanted to do; your passion for life knows no age barrier.



In her honour and in honour of all the wonderful grandparents we are blessed to know and celebrate this Sunday, here are—

Fun facts about Grandparents Day:

• It is observed on the first Sunday after Labour Day


• The idea came from a West Virginia woman, Mrs. Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, who had 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great grandchild!


• The month of September was chosen for Grandparents Day because it is the start of autumn, as in the "autumn of one's years" .


• It was made National Grandparents Day in the US in 1978 under President Jimmy Carter


• National Grandparents Day started in Canada in 1995

Fun facts about Canadian grandparents:

• 30% of grandparents are still working


• 11% are childcare providers


• 53% are retired


• Most people become grandparents in their late 40s or early 50s


• The average age of a grandparent is 65 and the majority of people over 75 are grandparents


• The top five things grandparents and grandkids like to do together are: have dinner (86%), eat out (84%), watch TV (76%),  go shopping (75%), read together (75%)

Check out these amazing grandparents who are improving the lives of others around the world:

The Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign

Hallmark Retirement Living Guatemala Project

Here is a song to celebrate all our wonderful grandparents from a singer who is a favourite of many—including my grandmother.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZNIKZdoehE&feature=related




This Sunday, take a moment to celebrate the amazing grandparents you have been privileged to know!