A very long time ago I called my two pre-teen daughters into the bedroom and sat them down on each side of me. I looked very serious and they looked at me quizzically…obviously I had something important to say.
I took their hands and quietly announced that their grandpa had died last night. They refused to believe me.
“But grandpa was going to live forever!” they argued.
And you know, I think he thought so, too. Later as we, with Mom, went through all his things I found in his fishing box a small paper bag, stapled at the top. Inside were several fishing lures, ready for spring when he would be back out doing what he loved best.
When I recall that moment so many decades ago, I realize that he had a great attitude towards life. Diabetes and small strokes had never deterred him from enjoying life and only once do I recall him discussing his demise.
We needed some money to help fund a prospective buy of a small grocery store. When we tentatively approached him, he agreed and then charged us to look after Mom after he was gone. We were able to help pay for the trailer they had lived in, and fulfilled some of our commitment. When Mom eventually went into a nursing home we were also by her side.
Grandpa had vision and never backed away from problems but along with it came a zest for life.
As the years slip by I sometimes see myself falling into habits that seem responsible to me but would never have occurred to him. I have my funeral paid for, some savings allocated to my grandchildren and my power of attorney all signed and put away. Yes sir, I am ready!
How grandpa would have laughed as he strapped his small tin boat onto his Volkswagon and headed for his favorite lake. Life was for living.
I think there is some scripture that tells us the same thing. Of course you have responsibilities but there has to be time to smell the flowers, have coffee with a friend, or just go fishing. Grandpa’s son, my husband, did not let his cancer stop him from enjoying golf on TV or sharing memories with his friends. How I admired him for it and how I pray for the same attitude. “Lighten up. Pat.” I say to myself. “Solve what you can and leave the rest in God’s hands. “ All I need to do now is take my own advice.
