What Every 7th Grader Needs to Know About Life

By Patricia Salber MD, MBA (@docweighsin)

Some may think the role of grandparents has diminished in this age where families live so far apart. Yes, we have Skype and Google Hangouts. One of my granddaughters even taught me how to Snapchat and faux sing with her on Music.ly. But, we are no longer in the neighborhood. We can’t see our grandchildren in person every day or even every week. We don’t go to all their soccer games, recitals, or school plays. And we don’t know their friends on a first name basis.

But, that doesn’t mean we can’t play a very special role in their lives — one that only a grandparent, who has lived a long life, full of so many different experiences, can share with someone just beginning their adventure. So, I was moved to tears when I found this letter my husband sent to his oldest granddaughter on the occasion of her starting 7th grade. I hope you will treasure it as much as I do.

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My lovely granddaughter,

Today, you are embarking on a new stage in your life. I know, it doesn’t seem like a big deal for you now, but in a few years, when you look back, you will realize how important middle school and high school are. These are your formative years, the time your adult character is going to be formed. And this is why I thought it would be…