On September 7, communities across Canada celebrated Grandparents Day, a time to pause and recognize the extraordinary role grandparents play in our lives. At Wellington Retirement Residence, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, we joined in that celebration, honouring the grandparents who call our community home. Our residents have spent a lifetime giving love, sharing wisdom, and building family traditions that continue to shape generations.
And while the official day may be behind us, our appreciation doesn’t stop there. We know that grandparents are the heart of the family, and they’re celebrated not only on Grandparents Day, but every day of the year.
Why Grandparents Matter
Grandparents hold a truly special place in our lives. They are the keepers of family history, the storytellers of treasured memories, and the steady presence offering love and support. Whether teaching a favourite recipe, sharing a childhood story, or simply being there with a hug, grandparents connect the past to the present in ways no one else can.
Their role is often practical as well as emotional. Many grandparents have helped raise grandchildren, supported families through challenges, or been a constant source of encouragement across the years. They are the ones cheering at school concerts, offering advice during life’s ups and downs, and passing on family traditions that give us a sense of identity and belonging.
Their impact also reaches far beyond their families. Grandparents bring wisdom, encouragement, and kindness to all who know them. For those who may not have children or grandchildren of their own, their influence is no less important. Many have offered guidance, encouragement, and love to younger generations as family friends, neighbours, or “honorary” grandparents, creating bonds that are just as meaningful and lasting. That’s why we believe it’s so important to celebrate them, not just once a year, but throughout the year. Their love and influence deserve to be recognized often.
Celebrations Across Our Communities
This Grandparents Day, On September 7, communities across Canada celebrated Grandparents Day, a time to pause and recognize the extraordinary role grandparents play in our lives. At Wellington Retirement Residence took time to shine a light on the grandparents and great-grandparents who make our residences so special. Residents were recognized for the role they play in shaping families and enriching lives. Staff and neighbours joined in the celebrations, taking a moment to show how much these grandparents mean, not only to their families, but to the wider community as well.
For us, it wasn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It was about honouring the heart of our communities: the grandparents, great-grandparents, mentors, and friends whose presence adds meaning and warmth to everyday life On September 7, communities across Canada celebrated Grandparents Day, a time to pause and recognize the extraordinary role grandparents play in our lives at in Medicine Hat.
Everyday Appreciation at Wellington Retirement Residence
Of course, celebrating grandparents isn’t reserved for one day a year. At Wellington Retirement Residence, appreciation is part of everyday life. Families are always welcome to visit, share meals, and create new memories together. Whether it’s a Sunday lunch, a holiday gathering, or a quick stop-in from grandchildren, these visits bring joy and strengthen bonds.
We also encourage opportunities for intergenerational connection. Residents and younger visitors enjoy activities together such as gardening, baking, crafts, or storytelling circles. Seasonal events often bring families of all ages together, creating laughter and fun across generations. These moments of connection are a reminder that seniors are not just residents of our communities, but active participants in family and community life.
Most importantly, our staff take time to listen, to hear our residents’ stories, honour their experiences, and recognize the legacies they’ve built. It’s part of our person-centered approach to care, making sure every grandparent feels valued not just as part of a family, but as a cherished part of our Medicine Hat family.
Looking Ahead
While Grandparents Day 2025 has passed, the spirit of it lives on in our community every day. We’re privileged to celebrate the seniors who bring wisdom, joy, and love to those around them, and we’ll continue to find ways to honour that in the months and years ahead.
Whether through family gatherings, intergenerational programs, or simple everyday moments of kindness, we’re committed to keeping the celebration of grandparents alive all year long.
Honouring the Heart of the Family
Grandparents are, and always will be, the heart of the family. Their stories, traditions, and love form the foundation on which families and communities are built. At Wellington Retirement Residence, we are honoured to celebrate grandparents across all our communities, not just on Grandparents Day but each and every day.
We invite you to take a moment today to think of the grandparents in your life, whether near or far, and to cherish the role they’ve played in your family’s story. And if you’d like to see how we celebrate and support seniors across our communities, we welcome you to book a tour with us and experience it for yourself.