There are very few people you will meet that will actually change your life...change the way you look at the world...change the way you feel about your job. But, when you do come across such a person you must do everything you can to take what they have to say...and hold on to it. Prime example: My Grandfather...Knowing the man for 26 years...I knew he was something special. He was the kind of person that saw the good in everyone. Having to go to his funeral, was literally...the worst day of my life. But, looking at the church...looking at the people who came to his funeral (literally... a line out the door of the church), it made me see what it means to be a person that has touched someones life. From that day forward, I promised myself and my Grandfather that I would take his loving, selfless characteristics and live my life by his example.
It's funny what time can do...Of course there is no way I have forgotten my Grandfather...but with time...that urge and drive I had to be this incredible person...the person he was... slipped away (he passed this March). Things got busy...Work...more work...socializing...being a single 26 year old girl in Austin... trying to figure out my path in life... I mean all these things really weigh heavy at times...and I let the values that my Grandfather instilled in me, slip away.
Today, a dear friend of mine lost a person that sounded much like my Grandfather. A person that someone should only be so lucky to meet and have in their lives. It was nice to sit with her and listen to her memories and hear about all the lives this man had touched. I know how horrible and unfair it feels to lose someone that has literally changed the way you look at the world... but my advice... going through such a time...is to really hold on to that passion, that kindness, that strength of who you have lost. Carry a piece of that person with you.
Grieving can be so different for so many people. But no matter what way is best for you...you must do it... Crying yourself to sleep sounds so horrible...but you know what? It is healthy at a time of loss. Whether you need to be around people or be alone... it is okay. There is no rule as to how one needs to grieve. But those emotions must come out somehow.
Many times when people lose someone important...they let it weigh them down, some want to give up. The emotions are so strong that you just don't think you can go on.
I understand this. My entire life I told myself that if I ever lost my Grandfather, I didn't think I could go on living...and guess what? Here I am. My Grandfather would be super disappointed if I gave up on my life because I lost him. So instead... I try and live everyday with the love and compassion he had for everyone around him....God knows some days its hard ( people can be so difficult :) )...but it is something I am holding on to and using this blog post to remind myself to do. I read about his life as a marine and that re ignited my passion for fitness. Reading stories of him being a marine made me never want to bitch about the small stuff again...I mean...this man was tough as nails.
I am so afraid of losing memories of my Grandfather... and I feel it is important for everyone to make sure and remember those they have lost...don't forget just because it is sad and hard to think about... Sometimes I want to block it out, just because I don't want to be sad... But, if you have lost someone special...the best thing in the world is to take a piece of that person... a memory...a characteristic and apply it to your life.
Sadly...there are not THAT many amazing, touching, genuinely kind hearted people in our world today...so if you so blessed enough as to meet one, or grow up with one, or be related to one... Do not take that for granted. Learn from these people...
When it is my time, I just pray that I could have touched the lives of HALF the people my Grandfather did. Doesn't matter what charity organizations you belong to...or who knows about it...its about being a good human being...that's it.
No comments:
Post a Comment