There is a special bond between grandparent and grandchild which hasn’t quite been scientifically explained or proven. But one can’t give a relevant argument that a family without influence of a loving elder can sustain as a concise unit farther than the nucleus. Maybe our past dependency on each other is just recently starting to be missed and that’s the reason that discussions about this void and how to satisfy it are now starting to come to light.
One of the things that kept Americans forward moving was the strength of family that came with developing and expanding a country. Wild animals, distance between neighbors, low supply of materials, amount of hands needed to work the land and other challenges of the pre-technological age demanded that we stuck together. Unfortunately, without these necessities the American family began slipping apart and once the men returned from WWII they brought with them the final nail needed to seal the coffin on true understanding of family. The switch from functional to dysfunctional seemed to be accepted overnight and any resistance was pinched with compound injuries of the civil and women rights movements, Vietnam War, presidential blunders and government assistance with rules that destroyed more than it built. With so much strife, emotional suppression and upheaval, how could the extended family expect to last 12 rounds?
But the dust looks to have settled and before the remaining members of the generation that made it through wars over alienable rights of freedom return to God lets show them that here on Earth just as in Heaven true rebirth can come after death. I know that there are large obstacles to overcome such as babies having babies, child abuse laws to adapt to, financial greed and misuse, communicative skills and the coming great shift but we can do it.
What about building that quarter or half a million dollar home with grandma or grandpa in mind? We can cut back on cost of childcare and make certain that children are raise by a family instead of an institution. I know that our seniors are busy with there own life but is the ultimate development of a society that one will return too more important than taking a turn at an illusion of freedom- and not in the healthy sense. Don’t have the resources to buy a home of such expense then more the reason to create an independent space for grandma and grandpa that’s near.
I’m human and I stand in my truth and integrity so I know having a physically healthy mom or dad living so close is a thought that can make the hairs on your neck stand but with the mental hurdles that they’ve encountered have compassion for them and keep yourself safe with a zone or buffer. Sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins schedule time to gather outside of the holidays with the intent of healing self and family . . . if we can schedule a date with our spouse and children we can do it with our extended family.
Bottom line; the main tools needed to build a strong generational bridge are communication, honesty, forgiveness and desire. Looking at my own family I see these tools to be the most effective despite the fact that this holiday season our bridge is incomplete. We’re working on it though and can respect the fact that our team effort this past year gives reason for a break to be around our loved ones of choice- well, at least I do.
Jesus whisper in our ear the importance of earthly family.
