I REFER to the report "Get your message out to grandma and grandpa" (my paper, July 2) and wish to applaud the National Library Board, Singapore Press Holdings website Stomp and my paper for organising a contest which aims to foster inter-generational bonding in families.

Reading the story of the Tongs, who live with their grandparents, reminded me of the happy and special moments I had with my maternal grandmother.

My grandmother passed away 25 years ago at the age of 80. My other grandparents passed away before I was born.

My grandmother was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. She was a special friend and mentor whom I could confide in about my personal problems.

I also benefited from her immense wisdom. She provided a shoulder for me to cry on when I needed it.

Parents are usually strict with their own children but they often have a soft spot for their grandchildren and are willing to do many things out of love and sacrifice for them.

Grandchildren should reciprocate through simple acts of love, care and appreciation. They should honour their grandparents and let them know how important and special they are to their families.

Here is a Chinese story which illustrates the importance of caring for our aged parents.

A man, egged on by his wife, put his aged father in a huge rattan basket and asked his son to help him carry the old man to the forest so that he could be food for the roaming tigers.

After leaving the old man in the forest, the father and his son began to descend the mountain to make their way home.

Midway, the young son told the father that he would like to retrieve the rattan basket. The father told him there was no further need for the basket.

But the son said: "Dad, one day when you are old, I can still use this basket for you."

On hearing this, the father realised his mistake and together with his son, they went to get the grandfather.

By inculcating in the young respect and love for their grandparents, we would be indirectly teaching them to show care and respect for the elderly in general.

Senior citizens have an important place in our society and they should be encouraged to live out their golden years with joy and purpose.

For more my paper stories click here.