In Honor of Grandpas

I was the first grandchild on my mom’s side of the family. When I was born, my mom and I lived with my grandparents in Korea for a bit, because my dad was overseas. I’ve been told countless times of how my grandpa would strap me onto his back (in a society where traditionally, men are seldom involved in the raising of children) every morning and evening and take me on walks, saying, “The baby needs fresh air.”

Photo Credit: Deborah Roberts

We moved to Africa when I was 22 months old.

We would visit Korea in the summers, and my grandpa would take me — just me — to the zoo, to get ice cream, and on other special outings.

My mom always said I was his favorite.

My grandpa died almost three years ago, a year and a month before my son - his first great-grandchild - was born. It is one of the greatest heartbreaks of my life that I missed out on introducing my baby to him.

I follow this blog regularly. Kari writes beautifully, and she thinks and feels beautifully. She recently lost her grandfather, and I wanted to share them here and here.

If you've lost a beloved grandparent, I hope you have meaningful memories of them.

If you have the blessing of having grandparents who are still alive, make more memories.