Grandma and Grandpa Barlow

I'm so lucky to have grown up with both sets of grandparents. As a kid it was probably something I took for granted but now I can really appreciate just how important they truly are.

My Mums parents, Stan and Beris, live in Stanthorpe about four hours from us. We seemed to make the journey every weekend but it didn't matter. I have such fond memories of those long car rides. We would listen to the same country music and pass the same fresh-aired countryside. It seemed to feel like we were always driving home, even though I never lived there.

Their beautiful house has that homely feel, the smell of family memories and a bunch of childhood Christmas parties and summer BBQ's. Stepping inside is like one of Grandpa's strong hugs or a million of Grandma's famous Anzac biscuits.

I absolutely love my Grandma and Grandpa, they are both such loving, generous and kind-hearted people.

In the early years they would spend the whole of winter at the Gold Coast in their caravan. We used to go down in the June/July school holidays to visit and would spent hours just enjoying each others company. It was always a big family affair with Mums sister and her family joining us too. Jacinta and I would play with our cousins in the pool or at the beach just being kids. I distinctly remember going to find yabbies in Grandpa's boat on one occasion.

That went on for many years until it was decided that Grandma and Grandpa would come to our house in the winter. We were so excited to be able to have them all to ourselves. But time really does fly as next year will be their 10th consecutive visit.

I'm now old enough to really appreciate their traditional hard working values. Grandpa is strict but fair and Grandma is caring and so strong. As they have gotten older it's been difficult to watch their roles within their relationship change but they still have so much love for each other. It is so beautiful to see how they look at each other or just hold hands.

I now love nothing more than jumping in the car and seeing them on my own. Watching the realisation on both of their faces when they realise I have driven down to see them is so special. Spending time with them on my own is now something I really appreciate.

So to anyone that is lucky enough to still have their grandparents, please hold them close.

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