Marc Hoover
A sorority is a group of women that come together for a common purpose. Whenever we think about sororities, Alpha Chi Omega or Alpha Phi likely come to mind. Both organizations have existed since the late 1800s. However, did you know a secret sorority for grandmothers is traceable to the beginning of time? I learned about it from my wife, who is also a grandmother.

Recently, my wife and I watched a middle-aged woman walking a small child to her school bus. Before the child boarded the bus, the woman gave her an enormous hug and waved goodbye to her. After watching this, my wife commented on the loving gesture.

“That woman is the child’s grandmother.”

“How do you know it is not the child’s mother?” I asked.

“She was way too excited to be the girl’s mother. Believe me, I am a grandmother, I know.”

Apparently, grandmothers can spot other grandmothers in a crowd. The logic makes sense when I think about my own grandmother. When I was a child, she became my personal cheerleader. She came to my high school graduation and college graduation. Although I am 46, this incredible woman has never forgotten my birthday. I can always count on a birthday card and a small gift from her.

The only explanation for a grandmother’s love is that it must be in their genetic code. For example, I had a conversation with my oldest son about his grandmother. He told me how much he loved her and that she has always supported him without being critical. The love between a grandmother and her grandchildren is unique. Grandmothers may love their children, but it does not compare to the love for a grandchild; the relationship is a guarded trade secret only known by grandmothers. Here are some statistics about grandparents in general. They are available on Grandparents.com.

• 72 percent think being a grandparent is the most important and enjoyable life event
• 63 percent say they do better at caring for grandchildren than they did with their children
• 68 percent think being a grandparent improves the relationship with his or her children
• 90 percent enjoy discussing their grandkids

My 22-month-old grandson lives with my wife and me. Although I am his buddy, my wife is his closest ally. To him, grandma has celebrity status. Whenever she enters the room, it is like the world stops spinning on its axis. He will immediately ignore everyone else as he reaches out to her. If she does not hold him, he screams bloody murder.

My wife shares an extraordinary bond with him. Whenever we go shopping, she is always seeking bargains on clothing, toys, and snacks for our little guy. According to an Italian proverb, “If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.” No truer words could ever be spoken.

Marc Hoover is a grandfather and lives in Clermont County. Visit his website at www.lifewithgrandpa.com.