Cori Paterson

Hon. English III

Open Choice Essay

September 12, 2011

2nd hour

Grandparents are those old people who took care of your parents when they were babies through their adolescent years and well into their adult years. Grandparents are supposed to spoil you, understand you when no one else does, and, above all, never tire of you. Sure, grandparents could get a little annoyed when you whine all the time or act like a spoiled brat. Regardless of that, they should never tire of you. I had grandparents who did exactly that only to stop when I turned around ten or eleven. I don’t remember the exact moment I came to terms with this but I do remember the feeling. That feeling of rejection, loss, loneliness, that feeling that shot a big hole through your little heart that can’t be fixed.

My parents, brother, and I used to travel from Southern New Jersey to New York for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. It was a two hour trip that I used to dread. Thinking of it now reminds me of the restlessness I had in that tiny little car.I was showered with gifts and doll clothing for my Bratz dolls during Christmas. Whichever holiday it was, I know I’d get a card with twenty to fifty dollars in it. As a child the, the first that pops into my mind is: Toys R Us. Other than that, I had no real need for money. I wish they had given me something of sentimental value, like a necklace that had been passed down. The older I became they told me they didn’t know me anymore. Maybe if they asked, they might’ve had a better idea as to who I was. My grandpa was my favorite person when I was a child. He made the most hilarious jokes I had ever heard and did amazing accents that tickle me to this very day. He even did magic tricks that I still can’t figure out.

The more time went on, the less time he performed these spectacles for my enjoyment. When I became thirteen he didn’t even acknowledge these old jokes. It’s quite sad to see my grandpa throw it all side when I still longed to keep it. My grandma and I were never close. She was a pure New York Grandmother. She had a strong accent and shopped/worked at thrift store(s). She always talked of bargains and drivers who didn’t know what the heck they were doing. She was the cook of our many feasts and always made rolling bread because she knew I favored the delicacy. Other than the few things I’ve just stated, I didn’t know her too well. I thought grandparents lived to one day spill their whole life story to their grandchildren or great grandchildren. No, not mine; I learned their whole life story (or at least half of it) from my parents. It was short but I’m sure there were details missing. If my grandparents had the decency to tell me themselves, boring as it might have been, I wouldn’t wonder and have so many questions. Grandparents, you should talk to your grandchildren. As uninterested as they may seem, they’ll appreciate it in the long run. I know I would have. Today my grandparents are both alive and well and I’ve yet to receive a phone call. Love you guys too.