Grandparents Day Honors All Seniors

Today is National Grandparents Day, a day we take a special moment to recognize and honor those who came before us. While most people rightfully think of their own grandparents first on this day, few realize that the person credited for the creation of this secular holiday in 1978 was actually thinking far more broadly. According to lore, when Marian McQuade, a former member of West Virginia's Commission on Aging and the state's Nursing Home Licensing Board, first got the idea for honoring our elders, her intent focused more on finding ways to facilitate a better understanding and appreciation for the many valuable contributions of senior citizens, both now and in their younger years. Indeed, her message to the younger generation was to go and "adopt a grandparent," someone who can share their wisdom and their stories, be a mentor -- and be mentored in return, and ultimately, become a lifelong friend. Grandparents Day was never intended as a simply a reason to go to the Hallmark store and buy grandma and grandpa a greeting card. Ms. McQuade's mission is as noble and admirable today as it was then, and one we at CareLinx are happy to champion in her memory. Our older generations represent a vast array of amazing life experiences, ones that we can all take some lesson from. They have so very much to teach us all, and so much companionship to offer. Take a moment, not just today but throughout your many days, to find a way to show your gratitude and respect to the elder people in your life and, by doing so, pay homage to Marian McQuade and her wonderful mission. Doing so truly would be a win-win for everybody. How will you remember Grandparents Day? Mark your calendar.

Carelinx CEO Sherwin Sheik