Hi everyone, Nathan Derry with JohnHart Real Estate here. As National Grandparents Day approaches, I can't help but reflect on the incredible impact our grandparents have on our lives. I was lucky enough to grow up knowing all four of my grandparents well into my mid-20s, and the memories I created with them will stay with me forever. But if I’m being honest, there's one grandparent who holds a particularly special place in my heart—my Mymy.

Mymy's Cajun cooking was the stuff of legends. Just thinking about her homemade gumbo, dirty rice, or boudin (Cajun sausage) gets me salivating. Her food wasn’t just a meal; it was love on a plate. Her cooking, combined with her warm, infectious spirit, not only satisfied our stomachs but fed our souls. Even though she's no longer with us, her recipes live on—passed down to me and others in the family. The smells and flavors of her dishes bring a rush of happy memories, though sometimes bittersweet, as they remind me of just how much I miss her.

The Importance of Tradition

As we celebrate National Grandparents Day, it's worth acknowledging that our grandparents are often the keepers of tradition—whether it's a famous family recipe, a holiday custom, or a certain way of doing things that has been passed down through generations. These traditions help us stay connected to our past and give us a sense of identity. They ground us in something bigger than ourselves, reminding us that we are part of a family with a rich history.

For me, Mymy’s Cajun cooking will always be a vital part of my upbringing, a tradition that I hope to pass down to future generations. But it goes beyond food. Grandparents also pass down stories, wisdom, and values. They teach us about resilience, love, and how to navigate life with grace. And it’s important that we take time to sit with them, listen, and soak in the knowledge they have to share.

Creating New Traditions

That being said, as families evolve and grow, we also have the opportunity to create our own unique traditions. Whether it's a new holiday routine, a weekly family game night, or experimenting with different foods and recipes, it's essential to balance the old with the new. By doing so, we honor our grandparents and ancestors while also forging our own paths and memories.

As someone who works in real estate, I often get to see the ways families grow and evolve. Families move into new homes, start new chapters, and create spaces where they can build memories of their own. But even in these new spaces, it's important to keep the essence of who we are—through traditions, stories, and recipes—alive.

Honoring Grandparents and Passing It On

On National Grandparents Day, whether your grandparents are still with you or live on in memory, take a moment to appreciate their role in shaping who you are today. If they’re still around, maybe cook a meal together or ask for that secret family recipe you’ve always wanted to try. If they’re not, honor their legacy by passing on their traditions to your children, nieces, nephews, or anyone else who can appreciate them.

And don't forget—there's always room to make new traditions as well. The beauty of family is that it's constantly evolving, and each new generation has the chance to add something special to the mix.

Happy National Grandparents Day to all! Here’s to celebrating the love, wisdom, and traditions passed down to us. And here’s to creating new memories and traditions for future generations.

All the best,
Nathan Derry with JohnHart Real Estate

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

👨🏽‍💻 itsnathanderry.com

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