Happy Heavenly Grandparents Day, Robin. ❤️
Becoming a grandmother made your fierce commitment to children even more personal. You didn’t just want to protect the children in front of you but protect their futures.
You fought harder, spoke louder, educated more passionately, and believed deeply in creating a healthier future for children and generations to come. You believed grandparents could make a powerful difference through Grandparents for Vaccines.
Robin, I still cannot believe you are not here to tell this story yourself. You were always the storyteller, finding the words, connecting the dots, challenging us to think differently, and calling us to action.
So today, because you cannot be our storyteller, I reached out to Kim Boller from Grandparents for Vaccines, who connected us with our guest blogger, Ava K. Doty, to carry the story forward.
The story doesn’t end when one voice falls silent. Someone else must pick up the pen and continue telling it.
Your voice may be silent, Robin, but your story, your mission, and your relentless commitment to protecting children continue. ❤️
Continuing Robin’s mission with love,
Eileen Gavin
Kim Boller Executive Director Grandparents for Vaccines
Being a grandparent transformed Robin’s world and it was a role she adored. She became a Grandparents for Vaccines champion soon after becoming a grandparent and even was on a moving NBC segment about the organization with her beautiful granddaughter, Nora.
For Grandparents Day (today), the Grandparents for Vaccines team suggested hearing from someone on the other side of the relationship. So, we asked a 24-year-old grandchild to reflect on what it meant to grow up with grandparents who have been there for her, and what she has learned from them along the way.
Grandparents Day: Seeing It From the Other Side
By Ava K. Doty
When I was in elementary school, we celebrated Grandparents Day. It was very exciting, and I remember thinking, “Everybody’s grandparents are here!” I was so happy and proud that my grandmom and grandpa came to meet my teacher, have a yummy treat, and hear us sing. That was really fun.
We definitely did not celebrate in middle school, but then we did again in high school. Our whole family has strong personalities, so Grandpa and his wife, Margaret, made an impression at school on Grandparents Day. People definitely remember them talking (loudly) and joking with everyone and ask me about them to this day!
Grandpa was always super helpful, especially after my parents split up. He took care of me and stayed with me when my mom was away for work. After my dad died, he came to my soccer games and plays, drove me to therapy, and was just there when we needed him. His steady presence helped me feel less alone during that difficult time.
Nowadays, Grandpa is the one who needs help from us. When we get together, we help him get around and stay steady on his feet. I am happy to help with that. I think that’s part of what makes having grandparents so special. They take care of you, and eventually you may get to take care of them, too.
Having 24 years of grandparents in my life has been really nice. They have been around for a long time and have wonderful stories to share. I like hearing about how much things have changed in the world. Having that touchstone of history and life experience is cool.
Grandpa has memories of the olden times and loves to talk about growing up with his six brothers and sisters in Philadelphia. There are lots of stories about when he and his brothers visited their grandparents’ farm. He tells a great story about collecting eggs in the chicken coop with his grandfather’s rain jacket on and then accidentally leaving some eggs in the pockets. My great-great-grandfather was not happy the next time he wore that coat and found rotten eggs in there!
In terms of practical life advice, Margaret is my go-to, because she has a great knack for seeing common-sense solutions. But both of them are always there for me. That they came all the way across the country to my college graduation was huge. I graduated high school in 2020, when there was no graduation ceremony, so having them there for my college graduation meant a lot.
My mom, aunts, cousins, and I worked really hard to keep them safe during COVID, and thankfully they did not get sick during those early years. Grandpa and Margaret have five grandchildren, and I think chasing after all of us has helped keep them active and happy.
Grandparents are part of how we learn where we come from, how the world has changed, and what it means to show up for the people we love. I feel lucky to have that in my life.
So, on Grandparents Day, if you are lucky enough to have a grandparent in your life, give them a call. Ask them about when they were young. Listen to one of their stories.
And if you’re a grandparent, know that those stories, visits, ball games, car rides, and all the little ways you show up can mean more to your grandchildren than you realize.
