Asking Eric: Go the extra mile to reconnect with grandparents, even if it’s hard

Dear Eric: In reading the letter from Abandoned Grandmother, I resonated with the grandchildren [who don't call or text]. I was lucky to have a wonderful relationship with my grandmother in the last few years of her life, but it wasn't a relationship that came easily. I was stuck in a waiting room for hours one day and decided to finally call my grandmother back, a task I avoided not because I didn't love her, but because I didn't feel like I had much to say.

I started telling her about the food bank where I volunteered and that gave us something to talk about regularly.

For children, grandchildren, or friends wanting to reach out more, I would recommend finding a topic you can talk about every call in case there are no exciting life updates since the last conversation.

Eventually I got into the routine of calling and we both looked forward to our monthly calls. When she passed away two years ago, it softened the loss knowing how fortunate I was to have had the time, and I was so thankful that she knew I cared.

– Thankful Granddaughter

Dear Granddaughter: What a beautiful story. I'm so glad you went the extra mile to strengthen this relationship.

Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com .