By Samantha Lyn Walljasper 
Grandmothers are truly the most magnanimous beings in existence. They’ve completely exceeded any “glass ceiling of motherhood” in each and every way possible. When I think of grandmothers, I often think back to an article I once read that discussed motherhood being equivalent to the work of more than two full-time jobs. If that is the case (as a mother of four, I absolutely agree that it is), what on Earth does that mean about grandmothers?
Grandmothers seem to have an unlimited supply of goodness running through their bloodstream at all times. People often refer to grandmothers as being in the golden age of parenting. Some people believe being a grandmother is considered more of a part-time gig—they get to spoil their beautiful grandchildren, fill them full of all the sweets, gifts, and sugars imaginable, then send them back home to their parents while they sleep peacefully with their cherished memories.
No bone in my body believes that to actually be the case. The work of mothering does not end when grandmothering begins; in fact, it multiplies to a much greater extent, and then it multiplies again when great-grandmothers are born. Grandmothers continue mothering their own children to the best of their ability while simultaneously expanding their love and nurturing tendencies with each new birth. The respect that grandmothers deserve for their munificence is absolutely unmatched.
They’re the first invite to birthday parties. The automatic ask for a free babysitter for a date night. They’re always ready to prepare a care package at any given moment. The first to contribute to children’s fundraisers. They’re in the audience of all the school concerts and extracurricular activities.
They are the event planners behind all family gatherings and holidays. They’re the foundation of traditions and sacred, secret recipes. The metaphorical giving trees for generation after generation.
My own family has been blessed with so many exceptional grandmothers on all sides . . . many still on Earth and even more of them in Heaven; their selflessness living far beyond their graves.
Their lasting presence and presents fill voids throughout homes and hearts from vintage mixing bowls and afghan blankets to invaluable wedding rings and jewelry boxes. From faded photographs and “old-fashioned” middle names to an antique tea set and a borrowed sweater. Many compliments are simply answered with, “Thank you so much, it was my grandmother’s.”
As expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion . . . For God loves a cheerful giver.”
Generosity that comes from the heart. Benevolent angels living on Earth. The absolute best synonym for that? Unmistakably, would be grandmothers. Grandmothers are our cheerful givers.
by Elizabeth Dardes 
