This post brought to you by New York Life. All opinions are 100% mine.
My grandfather was, by far, one of the most influential people in my life. My father wasn't really around, so he filled the role of both father-figure and grandfather, balancing it perfectly. While he taught me many lessons over the years, the most important one that I keep going is his belief that imagination can conquer all.
See, my Pop-Pop was quite fond of Einstein's theory that imagination is more powerful than knowledge. From as early as I can remember, Pop gave me the tools and the inspiration to grow my imagination. When I was little, he'd bring me everything from coloring books to old machines (which I would pretend were airplane controllers and what not). As I got older, we'd spend hours discussing how he used his imagination to help create medical devices and to create stunning photos and video.
He was a videographer, photographer and some sort of engineer working on MRI and CT machines. While I never really understood what he did with the medical devices, his photos and videos documented every moment of our lives.
My grandfather was a good man. He and my grandmother kept good going by teaching economically disadvantaged children how to bowl, by inspiring prisoners to change their life through music and later, by traveling to Calcutta in India to help Mother Theresa care for orphans. He inspired me to live a life of goodness, and I do my best to keep his lessons going.
New York Life: Keep Good Going
New York Life has these amazing series of videos, the latest of which is called My Grandfather. It's a short, simple video with a powerful message: pass down more than your name. Take a look:
Our grandparents give us our names (or at least our maiden names), but they give us so much more too. I was incredibly lucky to have so much time with mine, and to really absorb the lessons they taught me. The good in my grandfather has a lot to do with the good in me, and I hope to pass that down to my own son. One day, I'll pass it to my own grandchild too (but not for a while!!). Learn more about how New York Life can help you and your family Keep Good Going.
What lessons did you learn from your grandparents that you'd like to pass down to your own grandchildren?
He sounds like a wonderful man. Often it is not our parents (or only our parents) that give us the tools we need for a happy life. I never knew either sets of my grandparents, but got a lot of inspiration from my aunty, which I’ve written about on my blog.
A little off topic, but your post really made me think about my papa. He died when I was 17 and now that I am an adult, I SO wish I had taken the time to get to know him better. He was amazing and I think I really missed out on a good opportunity to spend time with him.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I was really lucky to have so many years with my grandparents. My mom was only 18 when she had me, so I had over 30 years with my grandfather. Still, there are so many things I wish I had written down or somehow recorded.
My grandfather was a massive influence in my life as well. I miss him dearly but his memories will always live on with me.
My grandfather was a huge influence in my life; he’s the main reason why I have such a love for video games. I would watch him playing video games whenever I went to visit him and I just got hooked; I miss him whenever I do play video games.
I really only got to know my maternal grandmother, but she was fabulous. She never had a lot of money, but I remember her being so generous with what she did have. That was a great lesson.
I learn alot from my grandparents. I like to pass on to my kids to not take life so seriously, manage your money right and do what you love.
My grandmother taught me to speak my mine. she always said if you can’t tell someone to their face what your thinking then you have no business saying it behind their back. She lived by this and it was amazing every one knew if miss jessie said it then it was truth. I always try to instill this in my son and i hope one day my grandchildren.
What a great grandfather who would step into the role of Daddy, too, as he could! Oh, this brings back memories of my grandfather, who was really my only grandparent. Miss him so much!
What an amazing man he sounds like. My Gran taught me so many things – I miss her so much. x
It sounds like you had an extraordinary relationship. Those are always the best kind. 🙂
Your grandfather sounds like a pretty special man. He was 100% correct in the use of imagination and glad he promoted it so much for you. I do that with my boys, one of which is now studying to become an Engineer.
MY grandmother taught me the importance of working hard because hard work pays off. My grandpa taught me that nobody can spoil grandkids more than their grandparents. That being said, I think I will pass both down to my grandkids. Years from now of course, because my oldest is only ten right now.
What a great post about your grandfather. I wasn’t as close with mine, but he was a kind and caring man who passed along his love of cooking to me!
I only ever had one set of grandparents, who I loved very much. I remember lots of funny stories and their little quirks, and how they loved me.
I was quite young when I lost my grandmother and my grandfather lived on the west coast so I didn’t get to spend much time with him. I had a very close relationship with my grandmother before she passed and she is still my role model! I remember my grandfather as a very hard working man and very funny.
I have both my grandmothers and lost both my grandfather at a very young age. Your grandfather sounds like an amazing man.
Sadly both my grandparents didnt leave near to me and passed away when I was younger. It’s nice that you have memories of your grandfather and he had a positive influence in your life.
My grandfather was a great person too. Just remembering him makes me smile. Grandfathers have that effect on us.
Your grandfather sounds like a wonderful man. You were very lucky to have him in your life, and it’s nice to go down memory lane sometimes to remember them and their legacy.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the relationship I have with my grandmother. I don’t really know her. I wish I did. This post makes me want to call her. I should do that this afternoon!
I learned so much from my grandparents. I will have to give my grandma a call soon.
I didn’t grow up with my grandfathers since they died a long time ago but I did grow up with my grandmothers. They taught me to be the strong woman that I am right now. Great post about your grandfather.