“August 3rd, 2021: Today, I am grateful to be 42 and still have my grandaddy around. My maternal grandfather is special to me for so many reasons. He doesn’t mince words. He listens more than he speaks, and when he does have something to say, it’s short, sweet and to the point. He will put you in your place, then make you laugh and reflect on what was said. He is the king of one-liners.
I admire him for his honesty but most of all his wisdom and the dry humour that coincides.
Hats off to the man who coined the phrase “common sense came before books.” A man who led by example and embodied the rule that listening is more important than speaking and when you speak, choose your words carefully and remember that not every meaningful conversation needs to be long, lol.”
The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money...but rather a legacy of character and faith. - Billy Graham
It’s funny how life works and how our emotions and things come to us at the most random times but always for a reason. When I wrote the above, I intended to post it on social media because I was in a reflective mood that day. But it never made it to my post because I became sidetracked and forgot all about it. But what came out of that reflective mood was a decision to add something special in my upcoming book specifically for him.
God had a different plan that day because little did I know my Grandad would take his last breath on September 23rd in the place he always said he wanted to go. At home, in his mother’s bed in peace. So said, so done. I was thankful his desire was heard, and he went in the manner he requested. And the whole thing is bitter-sweet.
The last time I spoke to him via video, I apologized to him for being a terrible granddaughter because I didn’t call as much as the others did, and he smiled his unforgettable smile and said it was ok because he knew my heart. It was that kind of unconditional understanding that placed him on a different level of special to me. He understood me.
When I saw him last, he asked me my age before telling me a story of his younger days. He said I was old enough to listen. (please note, it was my 40th Birthday and definitely a story for a mature audience because it made me blush, lol). It’s those candid moments that stand out most these days because it fills a very present void.
I want to share a piece of advice I learned by observing him. We need to understand the importance of not holding grudges. We should do what we can to maintain the family unit. We must foster and nurture close relationships and always tell the truth even if it hurts. And lastly, always be authentic and humble.
When Grandad spoke, he asked the right questions, waited for a response and chose his words carefully before offering advice. I also learned and maybe inherited the power of silence, and perhaps that is what fueled his wisdom, I suppose I’ll never know. But what I do know is that gratefulness doesn’t begin to describe how I feel. So hats off to the man I have the pleasure of forever calling Grandad. Our loss is Heaven’s gain, and that right there places me in a different realm of being at peace.
Be Inspired!
In Loving Memory of Clyne Paul December 1st, 1927 – September 23rd, 2021
(Image by: Talisha M)
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