National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade. Marion was a housewife in Fayette County in West Virginia. She had a soft spot in her heart for the lonely elderly people who resided in Nursing Homes. She wanted the children to remember them and gain some wisdom they could glean from their grandparent’s experiences. In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Stafford Elementary celebrated Grandparents day on Friday, September 14th by having the students’ grandparents come and enjoy lunch with them. Many happy faces could be seen along with some special lunches from McDonald’s and local restaurants that were brought in by some Grandparents to share with their Grandchildren.

Grandparents spoke about what their grandchildren meant to them. Anne Hyles said, “They represent unconditional love. I love the way they beam with joy when they see Jimmy and I.” And Teresa Medlin and Debbie McGuire both said, “They are a blessing and they make everyday the best day of your life.”

From many other of the Grandparents when asked this question the consensus was grandchildren light up their lives, kept them very busy, are lots of fun and it was the best day of their lives when they became Grandparents.

Happy Grandparent’s Day!