July 12 is one of my favorite days of the year. Not only is it the birthday of my hero, it's also the day I returned to the US from my time in Scotland. While I learned a lot about myself in Scotland (and lost all tolerance for summer heat), I want to talk about the man who I have always respected and worked to emulate.
Yesterday was my grandfather's 93rd birthday, so we hopped in the car and drove to Wellington, Texas, to help him celebrate. (Six hours total in the car with my parents...good times) Wellington is a tiny metropolis in the Texas panhandle that is known for, well, dirt and cotton, so the only reason you go there is to visit family.
Granddad is in the nursing home, and Grandma is in the assisted living center. They'll have been married 73 years next month, so living apart isn't something they enjoy. Grandma still makes it down to the nursing center every day to spend time with Granddad, even though he usually just wants to sleep. Yesterday was no different, except my parents, my uncle and I were also there.
We woke Granddad up, so I could feed him his meal. He really perked up when we told him we had his favorite dessert - Coconut Cream Pie - in honor of the occasion. Though he's pretty weak, he always perks up when family is around. You can still see that sparkle in his eye.
My grandfather has always been my hero. My views on religion and politics can be traced to his influence, and I think I measure all men against him. He's done a little bit of everything during his 93 years ... farmer, teacher, Navy sailor (stationed in Norman, OK), mayor, developer, jewelry store owner and postmaster. He also had a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir. My grandfather inspires me daily to work hard, live a full life, try new things and find joy and humor in all situations, and it's my goal in life not to disappoint him.
Comments