You probably can’t remember the last time you had a sleepover with your grandma or grandpa. However, one woman proves that even grown adults should spend a night or two with their grandparents sometimes.
When Megan Elizabeth’s grandpa asked her to sleepover, she felt touched by the offer and immediately accepted. It’s rare for grandchildren to have a whole evening to bond with their elders, after all.
Megan and her grandparents had always been close, so she jumped at the opportunity when her grandpa invited her over. Unfortunately, her 92-year-old grandpa lived alone after his wife passed away years prior. So, Megan knew he needed her company as often as possible.
His text message to her read: “Hi Megan, it’s grandpa. Would you like to come over and have a sleepover? I haven’t been feeling well and miss you. We can order food and watch a mystery show. Love, grandpa.”
She posted the adorable text message to her TikTok and Instagram accounts. In a video, she explained that her grandpa had been feeling sick and was crying during a phone call. After hearing about his condition, the loyal granddaughter instantly felt concerned and wanted to check on him.
When he proposed a sleepover, Megan didn’t have to think twice about the opportunity to see her sweet grandfather.
She sent him a message saying: ”Yes! I’ll be over around 7! Would you like me to get you something from the store or anything for dinner!” Megan added that she visits every chance she gets due to his deteriorating health.
When Megan asked about dinner plans, her grandpa had a few simple requests.
“Could you pick up applesauce? The cinnamon kind. And if you go somewhere with mash potatoes, I would like that because I have no teeth and can only eat soft things. Ha!” he told her in a text.
This Grandpa and Granddaughter Have a Beautiful Bond
Later that day, he had an additional request for dessert and asked for strawberry ice cream. After sending the follow-up message, he told Megan “You are my favorite granddaughter,” even though she’s his only granddaughter.
So, as soon as she got off work, Megan picked up her grandpa’s food requests. Then, she headed to his place for a night of mystery shows and bonding time.
“So I got him mashed potatoes from KFC, applesauce, and ice cream and we watched his favorite black and white murder mystery show,” she said.
Of course, her grandpa wanted to return the favor by making sure she felt comfortable. The doting grandfather put some water near her bed in case she got thirsty during the night. He also went the extra mile and made her bed just as he did during Megan’s childhood.
“He made my bed how he used to make it when I was little with my favorite doll of my grandma (rest in peace),” she said, adding that he even offered her a flashlight in case she got scared. Awww!
The heartwarming video concluded with Megan nearly crying as she said: “Staying here brings back so many good memories from my childhood. I love my grandpa so much.”
In the caption, Megan had only the nicest things to say about her old man.
“I am thankful for my grandpa and he will never understand how much love he truly has shown me. And more importantly, the love he showed my grandma while she was alive. I believe in love and loyalty because of this man. He is my hero,” she wrote.
Why Everyone Should Spend Time With Their Grandparents
If you live far away from your grandparents, you may only see them for special occasions. However, research shows that both children and grandparents can benefit from seeing each other regularly, if possible. A 2016 study published in the journal The Gerontologist discovered that grandparents and adult grandchildren with a close bond had reduced depression.
The study performed by Boston College researchers included 374 grandparents and 356 older grandchildren who participated in a larger study. The research team analyzed data gathered over a 19-year period.
Close grandparent-grandchild relationships often signify a tight-knit family, in general. However, these intergenerational ties also have separate benefits, according to lead author Sara Moorman. Since life expectancy continues to rise, these relationships have become even more vital.
Grandparents can benefit from seeing their grandchildren since they come from a different generation. Therefore, they can learn new ideas and perspectives from a younger crowd. The grandchildren can gain wisdom and insight from their grandparents who have a wealth of life experience under their belt. Understanding the past will help them prepare for their future and learn to appreciate where they came from.
For instance, grandparents will usually tell stories about their lives to their grandchildren. When the grandkids hear about the trials their grandpa or grandma went through, it helps them learn valuable life skills. Then, they can take these lessons into adulthood as they learn to navigate life on their own.
Grandparents also benefit from visiting grandchildren because it helps alleviate loneliness. Elderly people who have lost their spouse may live alone, which puts them at heightened risk for dementia and depression. So, visiting extended family is especially important to provide socialization and comfort in their later years.
Final Thoughts on Woman Having a Sleepover With Her Grandpa
If you don’t see your grandpa very often, perhaps this woman’s heartwarming story will urge you to visit. Megan Elizabeth and her grandpa have a close relationship, so she didn’t hesitate when he suggested a sleepover. They had a relaxing night watching murder mystery shows and eating KFC together. This proves that you’re never too old for a sleepover with your grandparents!
Plus, studies show that both grandparents and grandchildren benefit from their relationship. Having an emotionally close bond helps alleviate depression and ward off loneliness. Aging or losing a spouse can lead to isolation and mental health problems. Family, and grandchildren especially, provide support to the elderly and keep their minds active.
So, if your grandparents are still around, try to visit as often as possible. They will certainly feel grateful for your presence and the opportunity to create precious memories together.
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