I didn't get to share it at the funeral so I wanted it shared somewhere:
It doesn’t matter if he was Granddaddy, Daddy
Jack, Dad, the Colonel, or just plain Jack, he was a symbol of admiration to us
all. From stories I know he was an
excellent leader in his youth, and this showed throughout our lives. He taught me not through the common lectures
and disciplinary actions of all parents and grandparents, he didn’t have to
speak a word because he was a walking example of morality, strength, love,
happiness, and so much more. I know he
has touched everyone’s life through his actions day by day, but for this short
moment I would like to share how he lives on through these lessons.
First off he taught me to be an incredible
card shark by the age of eight, through endless play during Wheel of Fortune
and the news each night.
But on a more sentimental note…
He
taught me first that life is boundless.
As a pilot he saw no limits, and as a child he showed me the world. He opened my eyes and my mind with the
experience of continued wonderment.
Whether it was high tea in London,
or hula lessons on the shores of Waikiki.
Through his entrepreneurial feats he gave me aspiration, and the faith
that I too could create any professional world I please, whether that be the
District Manager with the most stores and the highest year over year earnings,
or a simple shop owner when the time comes because I know that dreams can be
reality.
He taught me morals, ethics, and manners. He was always cordial, he treated each person
he spoke to as if they were the center of the universe, he kept any superficial
complaints silent, and he showed appreciation for efforts. He was a symbol of a
perfect level of humility, and was never afraid to ask which silver utensil to
use next at a six-course dinner. He held
no grudges, and was a walking example of acceptance.
He taught me that happiness was a
priority. His first and only question he
asked each time we had a moment alone in these final years was “Are you
Happy?” Honestly I answered yes each
time, and he smiled in satisfaction. I
make it a priority to only do what makes me happy, and the find happiness in
what I’m doing, life is too short to do otherwise. I thank him for reminding me to consider my
own happiness all those times.
Last
and most importantly he taught us all what family was. For those of you who are not familiar with
the tree of which I have blossomed Granddaddy was not my biological
grandfather, but the word step was not in his vocabulary. His stepchildren and grandchildren were as
much family to him as his own sons, who were the apple of his eyes. With each bristly kiss, and compassionate
supportive smile he taught us family is not only what you were born into but
where Love resides. Being a stepmother
myself I know there does not have to be a divide, and through his example I
love our son Ben as much as my precious daughter Aislyn. My friends who exhibit love I accept into my
family unit, and for my immediate family, those from my tree I know to love,
cherish and fore everyone I hope to continue to live by example so for
generations to come his footprint never washes away.
No comments:
Post a Comment