One year ago today, I lost my grandfather. He was an amazing and loving man. We didn't live close and I didn't see him often, however we spoke on the phone every week. Once I had children, we spoke more. The last year of his life we spoke 2-3 times/week. Not always long conversations but always good ones. He was ill and we never talked about his illness. He never complained about how he couldn't swim anymore (him would swim at the Y everyday until he was 80), couldn't drive, had to move from his home to an independent living facility yet felt as if he had lost all independence. He was usually cheerful, we would talk about my children, my cousins, my cousins children and my photography. My boys and he would share a few words over the phone each week but it was usually short and sweet. My grandfather had a small passion for photography that I never realized but did notice he always had his camera with him when I would visit. He NEVER took a photo that I am aware of where people are posed and looking directly at the camera. He always told me don't look at the camera! Even as a child, I remember this. He told me that "candid" shots are the best and they capture the moment. He was right! I didn't realize it until last year after he had passed away that this is how I take photos and prefer to take candid shots. I started taking many still shots of farms, trees, the beach and anything really ... I thought of my life as a child, growing up, my family, people & friends I have met in my many moves as a child and in my grown up life or in my travels, people who have inspired me along the way whether it was in my career, volunteer work, assistance with motherhood ... people have inspired me in many ways. My grandfather, Harrison, always told me what a good person and what a good Mother I was. I was flattered but grandparents are "supposed" to give you compliments. I so enjoyed my short and long conversations (in person, letters, phone calls, emails) with my Pop. I loved listening to his stories of when he was a boy, how he met my grandmother, what my father was like as a child, when he held me for the very first time, his parents and grandparents, his career, his day to day routine, swimming at the Y, they called him Gator b/c of one Florida Gator hat he wore. To have that hat in my hands today ... priceless. It was lost int he shuffle somewhere. I gave that hat to him years ago. He was a good man, loved his grandchildren equally, 3 boys and me. He bragged about us all equally. If you have a parent or grandparent still living, don't let a day go by with taking some time to talk with them about their life and their past. It is amazing what you will learn, funny things, crazy things they did and wonderful things they did to make a difference. I would take notes sometimes to share the stories with my children. He would talk to me about sports and always followed my favorite teams as well as everyone elses. He was a Boston Red Sox fan, I grew up a Phillies & Yankees fan, split families. Now my 4 year old is determined to be a BoSox fan even though his Mommy sports a Yankee hat often. I am thinking a little sign from heaven is encouraging Matthew. Hmmm. I love it though. I miss you, Pop, and am blessed to have known you so well.
Be Inspired to call someone soon and let them inspire you, Ali
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