Family Time | Grand Wisdom

While they say there's nothing to a child like his or her mother and/or father, according to American writer Alex Haley, "Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do. Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." That stardust for many, is equivalent to imparting the greatest of wisdom that lasts a lifetime. Outlook asked a few of its readers what is the most memorable advice their grandparents have ever given them. Here is what they had to say:

- "Well, my grandparents were very religious, and they always told me that I should seek to honour God in everything that I do and He would, in turn, honour me with success. That's my first thought in everything I do. My grandparents would say they are Christian not religious."

- Kamille Morgan

 

- "My grandmother taught me that honesty is the best policy - that I should always trust in God for He never fails. And that I should speak the truth, speak it ever, cost it what it will."

- Linval McKenzie

 

- "My grandmother once told me, 'Nothing you have, nothing you look for. Sit as a child and bat your yeye.' Basically, don't be greedy and envious. I try to live that way now."

- Jolyn Gayle

 

- "'Granma' taught me the basics: to wash, cook, iron and clean. She said when you can do everything for yourself, you'll be less dependent on any woman and they can't beat you with their 'draws'. She said it years ago and I've always remembered and lived by it, to this very day."

- Andre Brown

 

- "My grandma always say, 'Mother have, father have, but God bless the child that has his own".

- Annescia Swaby

 

- "'Hold your head up and take in your lesson.' That's all my grandmother use to tell me, and it has not left me to this very day."

- Fabian Shaw

 

- "She was married to her husband for decades before he passed, and she still wears her wedding band. She loved him that much. When she talks about him, you'd think he was still around. So, she's not very big on me settling. I will forever remember that. She's my favourite feminist, too, because there's nothing she considers a man's job. She runs the house and farm, and is well respected at her church and community. And she has the biggest heart ever, you honestly cannot help but love her."

- Stephanie Lumley

 

- "My grandfather always used to tell me, 'Don't trust woman.' Apart from that, he would say to me 'Anything you want done, do it yourself' and 'Lazy man fi eat', - can't be lazy and want to eat food. All have stayed with me since then.

- Milton Wisdom

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com