Lessons from my Gradfather - fond memories

My Grandfather or "poppy" as I call him is an amazing man. I have never met another human being with such a monolithic amount of love to give to others, nor have I ever known one that seems to be truly loved more. I have learned to let those I love know it in words and deeds frequently. He is always telling everyone around him that he loves them. He says it to me, the aides and nurses that take care of him in the nursing home, even the administrator. He will tell a total stranger that stops to chat with him as he sits in his "comfy" chair in the hall that he loves them and he means it from the very depths of his soul.

At the grand age of 92, he is now legally blind and has difficulty walking. He is now a resident at the nursing home in which I work. Every day that I see him, he tells everyone one with pride in his voice "That's my granddaughter Lisa, isn't she beautiful?" and it makes me feel beautiful. He lets me know that I am an important part of his life and I feel gifted to be a part of his. I have tried very hard to pass this wonderful feeling of love and acceptance to others on my path through life but I doubt that I will ever accomplish it as well as my grandfather has. One of my Poppy's favorite sayings is "you can live without love but you cannot have life unless you have love". Could any statement ever uttered possibly be more true? When you really think about it, aren't we merely existing if we do not love others or allow love from others into our lives?

He has days when he gets a bit confused but for the most part his mind is still pretty dang sharp. Yet every day, he still has a sparkle in his eyes, a smile on his face, and a joy for life that is sometimes overwhelming in it's intensity. He has taught me to find pleasure in the simpler things in life, from a perfect flower, to a warm hug, and much much more. The way his mind works is amazing. He can take the most innocent of gestures and turn it into a life lesson. His favorite story to tell is thus:
"you know when Jessica (my niece) gave me that leaf that fell off the tree, she gave it new life. She picked up that fallen leaf and it was dead, but by giving it to me she gave that leaf a new life. Just like Jesus gave us new life by dying on the cross. "


I always attributed my love of music to having a step father in a rock band, there was constant music in our home when I was a child. I now realise I also came upon this beautiful gift from my Poppy. I remember him sitting in his living room listening to the stereo. I remember going to church with him and listening to his heart touching Baritone voice singing "How Great Thou Art" and "The Old Rugged Cross". To this day they are both his, and my favorite hymns.

I know that time is a cruel mistress and one day he will no longer be a part of my world here on Earth but he will forever be a part of my world in my heart and of all those who are blessed enough to have known him.