A Grandparent’s Voice for peace

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We are the teachers, the historians, the keepers of family secrets, the movers and shakers. Okay, some of you are shaking your heads saying, “You’ve got to be kidding.” Well, no, I’m not kidding. Those of us who have lived these many years are a gift to the world. Everyone always says the youth are the future. People, we have such an influence on the future. We have the tools and knowledge to change the days of our lives. Opportunities abound. We are the future.

Having 18 years of being cared for, 43 years of learning the ins and outs of parenting and almost 17 years of grandparenting, I feel that I have credentials that show my depth of experience. I am a power within myself. A power to change the world and make my own dent in creating peace.

Those of you who follow me know how I feel about my grandchildren and my opportunity to teach them humility and understanding through games and play. As teens, my granddaughters and I share deeper conversations. I know that soon they will be on their own and an old grandma could be forgotten. Well, I will not be forgotten. My job is not finished.

We have a responsibility to ourselves. Why should we just fade away into the corner of the room rocking away in the old rocker and waiting for someone to bring us a cup of tea? We should want to spread our wings before we head to that rocker. We want to travel, to live in new places, to create. Well, that is fantastic. Just do not forget that you have the ability to change the world while you do it. You might be away from your family, but your impact is just as important and strong as for those of us who live nearby.

No matter what our ages we are an example; we influence those around us. Everywhere we go, every contact we make, we can change the world. It is so easy at this age, in looking to coming years, to feel sorry for ourselves or maybe even be a bit afraid. People, take that energy and turn it around. We are so fortunate to have the years we have had. We are blessed to be able to get up in the morning and have a new beginning day after day after day.

In my working experience during the last many years, I have made an effort to look into the eyes of everyone I meet and hope that they know that I see them as fellow traveler and friend in this world. I watch the news and want so desperately for those in pain to know that I am here and care deeply what happens to them. I know it works. IT WORKS!

WE are the future, an energy in this world. WE are a voice for peace, acceptance, change. WE can spread love and understanding. Oh, dear people, grab hold of this world and embrace it. Find love within yourself that spreads to others. Be willing to change for the good of all people. Be willing to give up all you know to learn more.

Yes, we are the grandparents with a voice for peace. Come on, let’s change the world.

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By Pamela Drake Loxley

Pamela Loxley Drake is a former resident of Darke County and is the author of Neff Road and A Grandparent Voice blog. She can be reached at [email protected]. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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