This Sunday is National Grandparents' Day, which has been a secular holiday since 1978, or so I'm told. The day doesn't receive anywhere near the respect, or marketing, of days for mothers and fathers. I suspect a large number of grandparents could argue that insufficient respect is par for the course. What does it mean, though, to "respect your elders" as I've been told many times in my life? I believe real respect means remembering what they've said and done, challenging them when they fall short of those same values they taught, and building upon the solid parts of the foundation they have set. It also means refusing to rest on the faults, though. I'll grant that this approach sounds strict, but I was raised by elders with strict standards. Being judged by their own principles is both respectful and fitting.

Different Drummer: Ahmir Thompson

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/07/questlove-trayvon-martin-and-i-aint-shit.html