Not until after my grandparents had passed away did I truly understand the strength of character they possessed and their will to survive. For many of us, we see our grandparents as so far away from the generation that they could not possibly understand the struggles that we are going through in today’s world. However, the generations that came before us not only went through the same things that we are going through, but they did it in a harder time.
For many of us, our grandparents were immigrants that came to this country with nothing but the clothes on their back knowing that they would never see their family again. Not only did they come to this country alone and without speaking a word of English, but they learned to thrive and build a life for themselves.
Older generations may not be able to use a computer, definitely not a cell phone, and they may not understand computer and video games at all, but they have things to teach us- things that are invaluable.
If nothing else, our grandparents can teach us the importance of hard work and a good work ethic. Many of them started to work at any job that would take them. They worked long hours for barely any money, but they worked regardless. In today’s society, the thought of doing menial work is degrading, however, in these tough economic times we no longer have the choice. Our grandparents can teach us that supporting you family is the most important thing you have to do, no matter how you get it done.
They could also tell us how to make relationships last. These people have stayed together most of their lives. They have the secret to a happy marriage, which we badly need because no one today stays married more than a few years.
