Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are significant celebrations for families, with the second Sunday of May and the third Sunday of June respectively being marked with special attention. Department stores go all out in decorating their display windows with thoughtful gift items, and fine dining restaurants are often fully booked, rolling out promotions weeks in advance.
Yet, in contrast, Grandparents’ Day, celebrated on the first Sunday of September in the Philippines, the United States, and India, tends to pass with much less fanfare. While other countries observe the day on different dates, the spirit of the occasion remains the same — an opportunity to honor the wisdom, love, and sacrifices of our elders.
The roots of this celebration can be traced back to 1978 when the United States, under President Jimmy Carter, declared the first Sunday after Labor Day as a special holiday dedicated to grandparents. The Philippines followed suit in 1987, also marking it as a National Family Day.
Three Times Over
My mother, Dña. Rosario Sevillano Aclan, we affectionately call Inay, is a remarkable woman. At 101 years old, she is not only a grandmother but also a great-great-great-grandmother. By God’s grace, she will turn 102 on October 6, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary.
Most of Inay's amigas, parientes, and colegas have either passed away or are in nursing homes. Long before our patriarch left us in 2018, Inay and Tatay were under the devoted care of our eldest sibling, Ellen, a childless widow. Despite her advanced age, Inay remains in good health, walking unassisted and even occasionally cooking her favorite sinigang. We are incredibly fortunate to have her as our rock — still healthy, lucid, and wise. Although there are moments when she longs to indulge in shopping, her once-favorite hobby, a passion she shared with our father during their 73 years of togetherness.
Every Wednesday was their cherished "Day Off," a day reserved just for the two of them, free from the responsibilities of children and grandchildren. They would take public transport, which was very efficient in Los Angeles, start their day with an early morning Mass at St. Timothy's, enjoy a leisurely brunch (often a buffet), and then walk around the mall for some light exercise (and shopping, of course) before catching a movie. This weekly routine is something our mother deeply misses and fondly reminisces.
Recently, Inay has found joy in the company of her granddaughter Shinee and our sister Vicky, who have taken on the "voluntary obligation" of spending almost every weekend with her. Their outings often include a visit to our patriarch's gravesite in a neighboring county memorial. Inay eagerly looks forward to the days when Shinee and Vicky would come to take her out. We are all immensely grateful for their dedication to this "mission."
A Role Model
In his productive years, our patriarch, Atty. Isidoro A. Aclan, was a great storyteller, often sharing memories of his youth. It wasn’t until later in life that I understood his true intent: to preserve the traditions he grew up with and to strengthen our family bonds.
Coming from a modest background, Tatay worked hard to support his own education, eventually becoming a lawyer. He instilled in us the same determination, diligence, and perseverance that he embodied throughout his life. Despite our family's improved circumstances, he made it a point to assign us menial tasks, either around the house or in his bufete (law office), even though we had plenty of ayudantes. I remember one of my younger brothers, who disliked getting his hands dirty, protesting, "Tatay, your father struggled. Ours did not!" But this was just one of Tatay's subtle ways of teaching us responsibility and discipline.
Tatay’s goal was clear: to pass on to the next generation the insights, values, and lessons he had learned, so we could face life’s challenges with confidence and an open mind.
Timeless Values
In today’s world, where our youth are deeply influenced by modern technology and social media, maintaining these traditional values can seem challenging. Many third- or fourth-generation kids might find interacting with their grandparents "strange." One thing to consider is that the values of respect, empathy, fortitude, and restraint are timeless, and grandparents, with their broader understanding and patience, often serve as the moral and emotional anchors for the younger generation.
Given the opportunity, grandparents play a pivotal role in shaping the character and values of their grandchildren, offering a wealth of experience and love that only they can provide.
So take time out with your grandparents, kiddos!!!
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