This is a picture of my in-laws, Jay & MaryAnn. They are in their 70's, and they drove to Maryland this past summer to spend a few days visiting our son and his bride. They're like that.
They've been intentional to spend time with their grandkids over the years. They called to express interest in their lives, ask questions, and just really care. They still do, and our kids are happy to spend time with them.
They've treated me the same way. I met them when I was 17 years old, and it's how I've watched them do life for the last 30+ years. They're great in-laws, and they've been great parents to me! I love them. I'm grateful for how they've loved their son, my husband.
I've heard other grandparents (or parents) say that their grandchildren (or children) don't care about them. It's hard when family doesn't want to be with you. I don't have any magical answers for it.
I do know that Jay & MaryAnn haven't tried to make us care about them. They've focused on loving well. Period. They express care for others. They're just enjoyable to be around.
They head to Florida now for the winters. We're spending some time this week hanging out with them, sitting on their patio; we read and nap between pages of our books, and about the biggest decision each day is where to eat dinner! It's a privilege and a pleasure to spend time with them.
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