This World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, 16-year-old Julia Clement from the Church of Saint Anthony reflects on her relationship with her grandparents and the important lessons they have taught her.

Julia (standing, 3rd from left) and her family celebrating Abraham’s birthday. Photo: Julia Clement.

There is never a moment of solitude in our lively HDB maisonette, for somebody is always waiting to welcome us home, ask about our day, or help with our exam preparations. Among the 10 people who live in my bustling home filled with love, laughter, and the occasional squabbles are my paternal grandparents, George, 75, and Janet, 71; maternal grandmother Mary, 77, Mum and Dad, our super helper Gem, my three younger siblings, and me.

I was seven when Grandma Mary discovered she had Alzheimer’s disease. She needed care and support, so she moved in with us a few years later. My paternal grandparents – Grandpa George in particular – who had already been living with us for as long as I can remember, were, at the time, less than enthusiastic about the idea.

However, as time passed, their grievances were resolved, or perhaps forgotten. Today, I often return from school to find them sitting together, binge-watching programmes such as “Just for Laughs Gags” and laughing heartily.

Without a doubt, I am blessed to have my grandparents living with me. They were there to nurse us back to health when my siblings and I fell ill. They cooked, cleaned, and made sure we prayed together. Their constant presence, in itself, has left an indelible impression on us all.

As grandchildren, we have learnt to care for them in our way. My sister, Gloria, 10, often takes the time to patiently feed Grandma Mary her soft diet food as we try to give our helper Gem a break. Alicia, 14, the artistic one amongst us, shows our grandparents paintings that amuse them. And the youngest, Abraham, 8, runs around the house, bringing a playful and energetic atmosphere to the home. For me, I sing and entertain them, and when a song is playing and the mood is right, I’ll take Grandpa George’s hand and dance with him.

One of the things our elders have imparted to us is the importance of prayer. Prayer has become the thread that weaves our family together, keeping us connected and grounded. It does not matter if we have any disagreements or misunderstandings. When it comes to prayer time in the evening, we put these aside and pray the rosary together as a family. Every Sunday, we gather and share our reflections on the day’s readings, fostering a more profound spiritual bond.

Looking back, I realise how we have sometimes taken our grandparents for granted. I understand that not everyone has the privilege of living with such caring and devoted grandparents. I am grateful for their tireless efforts to ensure we were well-nourished, how they offered up prayers during exam periods, picked us up from school, and even insisted on carrying our heavy school bags despite their advanced age. These were the little gestures that would forever be etched in our memories.

As the years roll on, I am confident our home will continue to resonate with love, warmth, and the beautiful harmony of different generations coexisting under one roof. But this will not happen by chance, so praying for our grandparents, parents, and siblings is essential.

It is also important to reflect and take stock of our actions. If we have said or done something hurtful to a family member, we must say sorry, change, and become a better person.

To any grandchild or young person out there, pray for your family members. Invite the Lord to journey with your family in all seasons. Even when things get tough and tensions rise at home, never stop praying and never give up!

As St Paul said, “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15-18)

Julia’s parents, Clement Prasobhan and Sharon Alexander are part of the Couple Empowerment Programme (CEP), an affiliate of Catholic Family Life.