Mondays with Mike: Three Ways to Build a Lasting Legacy with Your Grandchildren

Welcome to the start of the 2nd Quarter and the end of October.

Last Friday was Grandparents Day at PCA, and I cannot think of a more blessed and wonderful way to end the 1st Quarter than to have our students’ grandparents (and many parents) join us and see and feel some of what your grandchildren are doing each day. We thank God for the opportunity to help them grow into their God-given potential. 

As I shared in my comments at the chapel ( you can catch in the video link at the end), your family is one of two God-ordained communities He formed to nurture and sustain each successive generation. The other is the church. As your child’s and grandchild’s school, we play an important supporting role as we partner with you and support the more than 150 churches from which PCA students come from. The other leg I mentioned was the summer experience, often camp–which sometimes happens at your home.   Together, these experiences shape the people your children and grandchildren will grow up to become. 

At PCA, we step into our role with confidence in partnering with you. We joyfully take up God’s call to educate, inspire, and challenge your kids and grandkids to grow in Christian character and community as they step toward their life calling. 

This week we hear from four grandparents, the Deames and the Cicolinis, on how they think about grandparenting. I hope their words encourage you, whether you are a student, parent, or grandparent yourself!

Key Takeaways: 

If you’re a parent or grandparent, the Cicolinis and Deames would impart these three big ideas for you:

1. Legacy Through Love—try to show up consistently. Being present at games, praying together, or simply sharing joyful activities builds a foundation of love and faith that will anchor your grandchildren for years to come.
2. Faith in Action—work to embed faith in everyday life. These grandparents teach their grandchildren that “everything starts with God”—from morning devotionals to gratitude for everyday blessings, they make faith visible, teaching trust in God’s presence in all circumstances.
3. Moments That Matter—prioritize intentional, tech-free time together. Whether through games, crafts, or marveling at a sunrise, these seemingly small moments create lasting memories and instill values that carry forward, reminding us that true impact happens in the everyday.

These families see the profound, lasting impact grandparents can have on their grandchildren; by showing up, modeling faith, and making time for meaningful moments, grandparents shape a child’s character and faith in ways that support and guide them for a lifetime.

Welcome back to another heartwarming episode of our podcast, where we dive into the cherished role of grandparents within our community. In this special post-Grandparents Day episode, we extend our gratitude to all the families, staff, and faculty who made the day memorable. Join us as we sit down with two wonderful couples, Doug and Kathy Deame, and Peter and Nancy Cicolini, who share their reflections on grandparenting and the legacy they wish to leave.

The Deames and Cicolinis open up about their family histories and the joy of seeing their grandchildren grow and thrive at PCA. They reminisce about their own grandparents, sharing fond memories that have shaped their approach to grandparenting. From holiday visits to weekly family gatherings, these stories highlight the importance of connection across generations.

As the conversation deepens, our guests discuss the values they hope to pass on to their grandchildren. From instilling faith and gratitude to nurturing a love for learning and creativity, they emphasize the power of prayer and leading by example. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in today’s world, offering insights on maintaining meaningful interactions.

Tune in as these grandparents reflect on the evolving dynamics of multi-generational families, sharing wisdom on how to support their adult children while enjoying the special bond with their grandchildren. Whether near or far, they offer encouragement to fellow grandparents and parents alike, emphasizing the importance of being present and intentional in nurturing future generations.

This episode is a testament to the enduring impact of grandparents in shaping family legacies, as they share their love, faith, and life experiences with the younger generation. We hope you find inspiration and encouragement in their stories, and we invite you to reflect on the vital role grandparents play in our lives. Join us in celebrating the beautiful legacy of love and wisdom that transcends generations.

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