For anyone who knows me well (or has read my previous posts) you will know that my grandfather recently passed away. What you may not know, is that my grandfather was a simple man. He was not into frills, fine clothing, fancy cars or even a haircut that was more complicated than what a pair of clippers could do. Instead he devoted his life to being a good person. I didn't always realize this until I was an adult. When I was younger all I understood is that Papo was rarely mad, but there were certain things that would send him into a 20 minute lecture that could compete with any college history professor I know! Things like, disrespecting my mother (or any family member), giving up on something because it was hard, not paying attention, and not caring for others. As the family gathered around during his last days, and shortly after, these were the concepts that he reinforced in all of us. He always said, "There are 2 kinds of people in this world, givers and takers."
Over the past 30 years I have gotten to know myself pretty well! There are characteristics of me that are both good and bad. I have a quick temper to go along with my quick wit. I have a loud personality to go along with my bossy nature, and I have a big ego to accompany my big heart. One thing that I recognize about myself is that I love to "give" to others. I'm not big on gifts persay, but on the little things like compliments, hugs, notes that say, "Thank You!", or tasks to help lighten someone's load.
Papo's favorite holiday was Christmas, ok...it may be a toss up between Halloween and Christmas, but nevertheless, he loved decorations, gifts, and doing things for others. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a desire to Give to others. So, what brought me so much joy in those photos was the realization that this quality was not mine alone. As my entire family paraded through Walmart buying gifts for those who could not afford it themselves, his legacy lived on. The Joy that I get from giving to others has nothing to do with ME, but everything to do with PAPO and the values that he and Grandma instilled in my mother and that my mother and father passed to me. I could not only see the smiles on their faces as they purchased gifts and laughed with each other, but I could feel the joy radiating among them. The joy that comes from being with family, the joy that comes from laughter, the joy that comes from doing something nice for others. I felt the joy that Papo would have felt watching us all carry on his legacy!
Now, I will forever see my propensity for Giving not just as a quality that I possess but as a legacy handed down to me by my wonderful, awesome, loving and GIVING family. It is a legacy that I hope to pass down to my children!!!
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