All the traveling, from Philadelphia to Florence, AL, gave me time to reflect on all the lessons that my 91-year-old grandfather, my Papaw, had given me. They are life lessons in the truest sense. Lessons that are honorable. And lessons that extend beyond myself into the lives of others.
I believe, they are worthy of sharing.
Important lessons from my grandfather . . .
1. DAILY EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL. ~ Every morning my grandfather would go for a walk, a serious walk of at least 2 miles at daybreak. I remember occasionally going with him on some of these walks, and although he was 60 years my senior, I could barely keep up. Health was key to him. He also knew that the more he walked, the more he could eat at suppertime.
2. MARRIAGE VOWS ARE TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. ~ In 1943, my grandfather wed my grandmother. That's right, seventy years ago this year. They were a team. A force to not be reckoned with. And although my grandmother is currently stricken with severe dementia, my grandfather doted on her until his last day.
3. WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT WITH PASSION. ~ For my grandfather, his faith was the conviction of all his passion. He believed in something, and he poured his heart into it.
4. LIFE IS FOR SERVING OTHERS. ~ Before both my grandparents' health declined, they put themselves in the service of others. They were constantly cooking meals and delivering them to those in need. This extended well beyond the notion of "southern hospitality." This was loving on other people that needed love.
I aim to take these lessons with me, always. Thank you, Papaw.
