Grandparents’ Day was on September 7th this year, and while every day is a good day to celebrate the people we love, today I want to pause and honor two very special people—my parents, who are not only wonderful parents, but truly extraordinary grandparents.

This post is for them.

It’s hard to put into words the kind of love that travels across continents, that fits into suitcases alongside homemade gifts, and that shows up every Christmas with arms wide open—ready to be part of the magic. But that’s exactly who they are. Every year, they fly thousands of miles from Bulgaria to the United States, and now to Canada, simply to be with us. Not for a vacation. Not for sightseeing. But to be present. To be family.

To be grandparents.

The Grandparents Who Became Our Christmas Tradition

For us, Christmas never really begins until they arrive. From the moment they walk through the door, jet-lagged but smiling, our home fills with something only they can bring – the familiar scent of home, the special stories they carry across the ocean. It’s a magical feeling.

The feeling that everything is whole, no matter how far we are from where we began, we’re still together.

They’ve never missed a holiday. Never hesitate. Never count the cost. They simply come. Because that’s what love looks like when it’s deep and unwavering. That’s what being a grandparent means to them—not just phone calls and video chats, but presence. Shared stories. Snowball fights. Long walks. Hot chocolate. And bedtime tales passed down through generations.

From Parents to Grandparents—An Even Greater Love

I’ve always known that I have incredible parents. But it wasn’t until I saw them as grandparents that I truly understood the depth of their love.

There’s something beautiful that happens when your parents become grandparents. You start to see them differently. You catch them smiling in quiet moments, watching your child draw or play, and suddenly, they look younger, but full of memories, filled with wonder for this new little person they now adore with all their hearts.

They tell my child the same stories they told you, but somehow, they seem even more magical now. They sing lullabies in the same soothing tone, but you realize it’s not just about music; it’s a bridge between generations. Between then and now. Between what was and what still can be.

And maybe that’s what makes grandparents so special. They hold the map of our childhood in their hands—and they lovingly offer it to the next traveler.

A Bond That Distance Can’t Break

Living far apart isn’t easy. My parents miss us deeply—and we miss them. The distance hurts in ways only those who have lived far from family truly understand. There are days when the time zones feel like oceans, and the hours too long between phone calls. There are tears, of course. Longing. Homesickness. Especially around birthdays, milestones, and the quiet, ordinary days that we wish we could share.

But what amazes me most is that—even through the distance—they remain present. They remember every detail. They ask about school projects, favorite snacks, and the latest adventures. They send photos and videos. They pray for us. They dream with us.

And every December, like clockwork, they arrive. Carrying with them not just gifts, but warmth. Familiarity. A sense of belonging that no airport gate or passport control could ever take away.

What My Parents Have Taught Me—Again

In becoming grandparents, my parents have continued to teach me lessons I never expected to learn again.

They’ve reminded me of the importance of showing up—not just in grand gestures, but in small, everyday moments. They’ve taught me that love is a verb, that it means crossing oceans and listening to the same story for the fifth time just to hear the joy in a child’s voice.

They’ve taught me to slow down, to appreciate the memories being made now, and to pass on the values that shaped my own childhood—kindness, curiosity, respect, and the importance of family.

A Message to Every Grandparent

To every grandparent out there—THANK YOU. Your love matters more than words can ever express. You are the keepers of family stories, the gentle hands that hold both the past and the future.

And to my parents—THANK YOU for being the kind of grandparents that every child dreams of. For your sacrifices, your strength, and your boundless love. Thank you for making every Christmas more magical, every visit more meaningful, and every moment more precious.

You are not only wonderful parents—you are, without a doubt, extraordinary grandparents. And we are so lucky to have you.

Wherever you are reading this from—whether you’re near or far from your own grandparents- take a moment today. Call them. Hug them. Write to them. Thank them. And if they’re watching over you from above, whisper your love into the wind.

Because grandparents are more than family.

They are love, made visible.

GK

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Published by georgi.kisyov

37 thoughts on “Grandparents’ Day”

  3. They sound like wonderful people, parents and grandparents. As a grandmother myself, I flew regularly between Seattle and New York to spend weeks with my oldest grandson. It was never enough time, but while I was there, we were together all day every day. Now the grandsons all live within 30 minutes of me. It has spoiled me!

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    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounds like your grandson is incredibly lucky to have such a devoted and loving grandmother. I truly admire the way you made those cross-country trips—those visits, even if never long enough, are memories that last forever. And now, having them close by must feel like the greatest gift. Wishing you many more beautiful moments together! 💛
      Have a great new week.
      GK

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  7. They sound amazing. It’s good to keep that connection when living so far apart. It’s definitely something I struggle with being in Australia, very far from my family in Ireland. I think face time is absolutely amazing so you can still see each other.

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    1. Thank you so much. Yes, staying connected across the distance is not always easy, but it truly makes all the difference. I can imagine how hard it must be for you being so far from your family in Ireland—Australia and Ireland feel like opposite corners of the world. I completely agree—FaceTime and video calls are a gift. They help us feel a little closer, even when the miles feel endless. Sending you warmth across the distance. 💛
      Have a wonderful new week.
      GK

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  8. Hi Georgi,
    I really like your writing. You always hit the right note of emotions. You always catch the essence of the important things in life.
    My grandparents weren’t like that. But the way you wrote it, I always imagine what it could have been like.
    One of my grandfathers always secretly gave me 5 Deutsche Marks before they drove home. And to this day, that little secret between us, means so much more to me than the large banknotes my grandma always wanted to get rid of first, just to get it over with.
    I just had to think of it with a smile.
    Greets Sandrine

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    1. Dear Sandrine,
      Thank you so much for your kind words. Your message touched me deeply. That little secret with your grandfather—just 5 Deutsche Marks—says so much. Sometimes the smallest gestures hold the most love, especially when they’re shared quietly, just between two hearts. I’m so glad the post brought that memory back to you with a smile. That’s the kind of magic I hope to share through my writing.
      Warmest greetings and heartfelt thanks,
      GK

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  9. As a grandparent of near and far, confession of stopping midway through this post for a tear or two. What a wonderful tribute to grandparents and parents. You have a wonderful way of showing heartfelt emotion – its shines through your words ~ Rosie

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    1. Dear Rosie,
      Your words mean the world to me. Thank you for reading—and feeling—so deeply. It’s comforting to know this post resonated with someone who understands both the joy and ache of loving “near and far.” Your kindness and reflection are a gift. Sending warmth and gratitude your way today and always. 💛
      Have a wonderful new week.
      GK

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  10. Pingback: Repost of Georgi Kisyov’s “Grandparents’ Day” | R M Meadow

  11. This was such a heartwarming read, Georgi. The way you described your parents’ presence and love is so special. YK it reminds me that family isn’t about distances or miles, but more about showing up in big and small ways. Grandparents have this gift of teaching us that love isn’t measured by how often we’re together, but by how deeply we stay connected.

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    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. You put it perfectly—family isn’t about miles, but about showing up, in all the ways that matter. I absolutely agree—grandparents have this quiet, powerful way of reminding us what true connection looks like. I’m grateful you took the time to read.
      Have a beautiful new week.
      GK

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    1. Hello,
      Your words truly touched me. I’m so sorry you didn’t get to experience that kind of love—it’s something every heart deserves. I hope the story offered not just a glimpse of what it can be, but a gentle warmth too. Sending you kindness and deep respect. 💛
      Have a wonderful week.
      GK

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    1. Hello,
      Thank you so much for this thoughtful insight. You’re absolutely right—we live in a world that often rushes forward and forgets to look back. But the wisdom, experience, and love of our grandparents are roots that keep us grounded. I truly appreciate your words and the reminder that every stage of life holds value. 🙏🏾💛
      GK

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