Throughout the entirety of my life, I’ve only grown up with ¾ of a set of grandparents. Two grandmas and one grandpa. The missing ¼ has always been a question to me. At some point he existed in our timeline, but who was he? What did he do? Do I look like him? Do we laugh the same? Every time I would ask vague questions about him to my family they would grow angry and tell me to leave. But I have only one grandfather and for the mystery I grew for the other, the more I wanted to learn about the one here with me.
My grandpa was troubled. He spent his life in and out of jail fighting against the world. He was a man that many feared. He would fight and wouldn’t have a care for the consequences. A drunk, a criminal, and a man with no sense of good in his life, I wouldn’t have been able to recognize him.
Reality struck when the amount of alcohol consumption left him hospitalized, ruining his stomach lining. He was told he was going to die, but my grandpa promised himself that if he was able to overcome this tragedy that he would be a good man and live a good life. This promise has forever been fulfilled.
I’ve always known my grandpa as the kindest man in the world. He would do anything for his family and friends. He always gives me words of wisdom when I feel pain and always makes sure to tell me that he loves me whenever he leaves. Every softball game you can see a man with a white hair and an A’s hat in the crowd cheering on his granddaughter, proud because of all the times he took me out to practice. He is truly the core of our family and radiates good energy.
For the amount of love unaccounted for the missing piece of my grandparents, my grandpa triples it. He is the inspiration of my life. I am the luckiest person ever to have him to look up to.
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I was surprised the moment I read your second paragraph. It got me hooked and made me want to understand the direction your post was going in. It seems like your grandfather has gone through a lot of struggle, but his story also proves that people have the ability to change. People can learn how to change the thinking patterns that result in harmful behaviors and how to move their lives in a more positive direction. Your grandfather is a wonderful example of that. He now seems like a nice, caring, and selfless man. He influences you to try your best and always wants to make sure that you feel loved. Having someone to look up to is encouraging, and it is great that you find solace in him.
ReplyDeleteGrace, you are the luckiest person in the world to have an amazing Grandpa like that! I loved this post! I enjoyed how you talked about where your Grandpa has come from and where he is now and how you view him. Grandparents are the best. They are always there for you and constantly support you. They teach you so that you don’t make the same mistakes they made and they love you unconditionally. I'm so glad you shared your Grandpa’s stories and how much he means to you, and by the time I make it to one of your softball games I will be looking out for your Grandpa, the amazing person you have to look up to. Great Job and thank you for sharing your story. I enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThe story of your grandpa was sort of sad to hear. The fact that he did tons of bad things but had changed when he was older. He basically flipped the script but it was a little to late. In your picture it looks nice and that he could get along with anybody in the world. That smile was probably because of you being in his life. His life must’ve been miserable but he changed his ways and became a better person for you and others.
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