Photo was taken at Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

Con McSweeney celebrates his 85th birthday last Sunday with his grandchildren Aoife, Daniel and Peter. Last Sunday was also Grandparents Day. (See more on Thought For Today below)

Thought on Thursday – September – 29/09/2011

‘What children need most are the essentials that grandparents provide in abundance. They give unconditional love, kindness, patience, humour, comfort, lessons in life and most importantly cookies.’ ~Rudolph Giuliani

Last Sunday was Grandparent’s Day across Ireland and England. In other parts of the world it may fall on a different date. Grandparents should not feel too let down if they didn’t get a call from their grandchild because Grandparent’s Day was only established five years ago. It falls on the fourth Sunday in September but it’s a day that is gathering great momentum and recognition. During the boom years, people were so busy, that older people were often forgotten about. There simply wasn’t time to visit. This has all changed in recent years. Family and community bonds are now recognised for what they can bring: stability and hope in the midst of darkness and uncertainty. Grandparents are now being re-discovered for the many blessings that they can bring. They have a wisdom, love and experience of life that no money can buy. Their influence is beyond measure. Just like Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, some may see it as just another marketing ploy for card companies to make more money. But at least it’s a day that will highlight the huge role they play in our lives. Every day is a day to celebrate their special presence in our lives. We ask God’s abundant blessings on all our grandparents. More information can be found on the following websites grandparentsoftheyear.com and friendsoftheelderly.ie