AMARILLO, TEXAS -- It was in 1979 that President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day each year as National Grandparents Day.
The day was designed to connect the generations with three goals in mind: to share, to cherish and to hold.
Many grandparents said that the most important thing about the holiday was the opportunity to express their gratitude and love for their grandchildren. "The kids themselves. When they come up to you and put their arm around you. Mine never fail to tell me they love me. i enjoy it very much." said Grandmother Vi Eollresz.
With distance many families weren't able to see each other and those who did have the opportunity were grateful for their time.
"She's just like a mother to me. She's always been there, like I've said, it's just natural. I love her, she's always been there. She's taught me, she's helped me through my life and I love her,” said Grandchild, Mason Bray.
"I think it'd be great if everybody could have grandchildren but you have to be a good grandparent too. That's part of the job, to be a good grandparent too,” said Grandma Vi.
Some interesting facts, according to the U.S. Census about grandparents include: The average age of U.S. Grandparents is forty eight years old and about half of today’s grandparents are baby boomers. Research has proven that children are fifty percent safer in cars driven by grandparents. About seven percent of U.S. children are being raised by their grandparents.
President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Willie Nelson were all raised by their grandparents.
