re: Why is the Grandfather-grandson relationship so special?

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I was much, much closer to my grandmother than my grandfather.

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My grandmother died in 1986 and I think about her nearly every day. I cried for 2 or 3 days when she died.

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I usually despise everything you post, but I am in the same boat here minus the drunk grandfather.

He died when I was 4. But my Grandmother was my second mom in reality. I’ll just say it’s been over a decade since she passed, and I legit still think about her everyday really.

Regardless of GF/GM, the connection is they know shite. They lived it and try to pass on wisdom no matter what. I miss her so much.

I'll explain my feelings about my 2 grand kids ....granddaughter 4 & grandson 2...this way: I had just finished my last, out of 32, radiation treatments for prostate cancer, & there is a cancer treatment tradition where the patient rings a large bell to celebrate, out in the hall. My son & daughter in law were there, each holding one in their arms. My grand daughter looked at me & said, unprompted & unexpectedly, "PaPa, you'll be able to see us grow up now". That feeling is beyond description.

My first grandson is 2. My second is 3 months old. I’ve never met him due to C-19. He’s in England. My third is coming in December. I have time and money now, which I didn’t when I raised my son, with whom I have a great relationship, BTW. I’m going to take those grandkids camping, hiking, sailing, snowboarding, hunting kiteboarding and to ball games.

Mainly, I’m unencumbered by the responsibility of shaping them. I can just listen, advise and enjoy. You get out of life what you put in. I plan to invest a lot over the rest of my years. Hopefully when my time is up they will react the way you did.

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My grand daughter looked at me & said, unprompted & unexpectedly, "PaPa, you'll be able to see us grow up now". That feeling is beyond description.

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Damn man. Crazy how a 4 year comprehends that

I've never had a grandfather. Both passed shortly before I was born. I often think about what it would be like.

Yea, even the 3 radiation therapists, who treat cancer patients by 1000's, were teary eyed at that comment. Grandson or granddaughter, if you don't spend more time with them, it's your loss. Make the time.

My dad’s dad died when I was almost a teenager I think. And he was a drunk piece of shite for the most part, so he wasn’t in my life at all really. My mom’s dad died when I was like 4 or 5 and I have some memories of him but now very many. One thing I’ve always wished is that I had closer relationships with my grandfathers (one of them anyway). I loved my mom’s mom but wasn’t what I would call “close” to her. But my dad’s mom is awesome and I have a million fond memories of her growing up. She just made 97 a couple weeks ago and I’m gonna be a fricking disaster once she finally goes. It won’t be pretty.

My grandfathers died before I could have a real relationship with them

My paternal grandfather was a great influence in my young life. Worked with him every summer and spent a lot of time with him as an adult. Would give anything to go back for even just a day. He only had 3 grandkids and my cousin lived across the country so really no competition for his attention.

My maternal grandfather told great stories about his life, from early childhood in very rural Louisiana to some about WW2 to his working life in the 50s and 60s. He took me home from school a lot when I was 15-16 and let me drive his truck. But he had 10 grandchildren that lived within 20 miles and he tried but I never felt especially close to him.

I think back in the day grandfathers were relatively young and were easier going then stressed out fathers.

My dad was my step brothers sons best friend. They did everything together. I wished my son woulda had that chance before he died.

My grandparents raised me. Have always called him Pawpaw but he's my dad. Love that man so much it hurts