(A tribute in honor of national grandparents' day):

"God couldn't be everywhere so he created grandmothers."

Alicia Keys. Jamie Foxx. Will Smith. What do they all have in common?

Besides careers of fame and fortune, each publicly acknowledges their undying love and reverence for their grandmothers, while largely crediting them for their mega-success.

In fact, Jamie Foxx, in his musical tribute, does a serenade to his grandma "Estelle" that brings audiences everywhere to tears, as he closes his eyes and wishes she were here.

Will Smith confesses that it was his grandmother that convinced him not to "sell out" by resorting to the typical vulgar language that many hip-hop artists spew in order to make a quick buck. She told him that he was "smarter than that."

And who can forget Bill Withers, who in a popular tune decades ago, recalled how "grandma's hands went to church on Sunday morning."

There's no doubt about it. Grandparents are the backbones of many families, particularly Black families;making great sacrifice to help us raise our own kids-- providing support, wisdom, and valuable life lessons.

In fact, because so many young mothers have now been lost to the streets, and have created a culture of "babies raising babies", more and more grandparents are actually serving as custodial parents. The Census Bureau reports the numbers to be several million to date.

Grandparents.

They spoil us. They fight our battles. They keep us on the straight and narrow. They protect us. They keep our secrets. They dry our tears. They give us roots and wings.

There is no way that we as a people or as a society can ever repay the great debt owed them. Their impact on our lives has been so significant, that in 1978 Jimmy Carter issued a proclamation establishing the first Sunday after Labor Day, (this year it's honored September 13th) as National Grandparent's Day.

So, I humbly dedicate this piece to them!

If you are blessed enough to still have yours among the living, cherish them! Unfortunately, mine passed away some years ago. But their presence remains with me even today. My grandmother, Melia, for instance, could bake homemade biscuits that would make your mouth water. And her Creole cooking was legendary!

My grandpa, Oday, died before I was born, but he left as an inheritance many beautiful memories through my mom, which serve as his legacy to us. He was known for being a great prankster, which he passed on to my mom, who has a wonderful sense of humor and playful spirit!

He also instilled in her a great sense of who she was.

Even after moving to the big city, and raising five kids, she went back to college, got two degrees, and graduated with honors. She always stressed the importance of education, and she led by example.

And, on a personal note, she's the reason I became a writer. For this I give my eternal thanks!

Who among us can't recall how dear our grandparents have been in words and deeds, in crucial stages of our lives?

This year, whether it's your first occasion to celebrate National Grandparents day, or it's a regular routine, here are some things to do on this special day!

Attend a church service together and give thanks for the beautiful gift that they are. If yours are deceased, attend church and give them homage in prayer.

Prepare a dinner in their honor, or fire up the grill and get the family together, with cake, ice cream and all!

Buy them roses, candy, or a small gift that relates to a hobby or interest they have.

Visit the zoo together.

Take a fishing trip or host a Bingo night.

Pull out the photo album and stroll down memory lane together.

If you're located in a different city, give them a call and send your love and good wishes!

Do their chores for one day. Or relieve them of babysitting duties.

Have all the grandkids throw a talent show in their honor.

Write a special poem of love.

Dedicate a song through your local radio station.

Purchase one of the many greeting cards on the market, and tuck a few dollars in the envelope for a new church hat.

Give them a copy of this article, signed with a personal message.

Whatever you choose to do to show your love, make sure you do it in "grand" style! They deserve it!

Happy Grandparent's Day, mom.