A Legacy Shared by Generations

In March 2024, Ilene and Patrick’s Great Grand Papa, with whom they were very close, passed away at 94 years old. It was a hard time for the family, but the children’s Gramma and Grand Papa helped the kids grieve and grow when they came to visit for two weeks.

Gramma and Grand Papa decided to share $100 of the bit of money they received from Great Grand Papa’s passing with each of the grandchildren, so long as they used it to help someone else.

Gramma and Grand Papa explained to the children how all sorts of organizations provide help locally, nationally and globally, and encouraged the children to choose the causes they thought would make an important difference. Ilene and Patrick chose to support seven different missions, including hunger relief. With instruction from their grandparents, the kids practiced writing checks, using Great Grand Papa’s checkbook with the attached register.

They wrote thoughtful notes to the nonprofits they chose, wrote the checks, addressed the envelopes and mailed their gifts. The compassionate cycle that began with Great Grand Papa continues with the grandparents and parents, and now with Patrick and Ilene.

“The deep connection and discussion that happened throughout the activities cannot be put into words,” Gramma says, reflecting on the touching experience.

The love between generations and for the larger community was deeply felt and shared during this special trip!