It's Grandparents Day: Share Your Grandkid/Grandparent Memories

It's a matter of fact: Somewhere along the line, we've had grandparents.

From spoiling grandkids with cookies and Barbie dolls to showing and teaching the ropes of farming, grandparents can play a significant role in the shaping of our lives.

I've been lucky to have fantastic sets of grandparents who have watched me grow and taken part in countless memories. It's the twang of country music on the radio, certain smells from the kitchen when cooking, grabbing a fishing pole and reading shared books -- all these things and an infinite amount of others remind me of my grandparents.

In elementary school and even middle school, we celebrated Grandparents Day by having them attend a lunch and a show. But after awhile, we forget to even send a card in the mail to thank them.

For me, I have a great-grandmother still living who reminds me that I love to draw because she can still make use of her artistic talents and caring heart. I have another set of grandparents still around who inspire me to think and to learn, from reading and talking about the news to appreciating the outdoors.

And I have another pair I miss dearly -- a grandpa who would color "Aladdin" coloring books with me (and let me tell him what crayon to use for which parts) to a grandma who was always there and never embarrassed me no matter how much she tried: hootin' and hollerin' at dance recitals and making her order for "iced tea, no sugar" known before the waiter could even reach the table at restaurants.

Bust out the old family album. Take the time to tell old stories of getting in trouble (and getting away with it) at grandma's house and buying clothes for the new grandchild on the way. Tell Patch how you celebrate Grandparents Day!

Whether you still have your grandparents around, have them only in memories, or are a grandparent yourself, share your favorite moments and photos with Patch!