The Legacy of a Radiant Heart

My Dad with his Grandbabies (Ooops I meant big girls!)

I have a personal story to share with you today.  My brother and his family which include my 2 and 4 year old nieces are moving out of the country this week.  While this is very exciting for them to go live on a tropical island and enjoy a very different lifestyle than they are used to, it has been very hard and sad for myself and for my parents especially. They have been a significant part of the girls lives on a daily basis since they where born.

When I was home over Christmas my mom, dad and I went on a walk and talked about how they are dealing with the transition.  My dad, who has been the absolute most amazing grandpa, playful, patient, teaching them everything from skiing to riding their bikes, was in protection mode.  His heart broken from the thought of not being in their daily lives.

I told him that his open heart is his legacy. To remain open even when it’s painful is to put the vibration out that those little girls will feel and remember no matter the distance.  The reason I say this with certainly is because that was what I experienced with my Grandpa Fred.

He was from South Africa and said my name with a particular accent I will never forget.  He was the kind of man whose smile lit up a room… we all have encountered someone like that.  Someone who has an open heart, positive attitude, and a kindness for everyone they encounter.  Someone with a radiant heart.

The impact my Grandpa had on me was so strong that I choke up every time I tell the story of seeing his blue eyes for the last time.  I was 13 years old and he was in the hospital after a stroke.  He wasn’t doing well and yet I sat by his bed side and he looked at me and the twinkle still shone through. Amazing really.

This was a quote given to me by my grandpa which really was what he lived by,

“A smile costs nothing, but gives much.  It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give.  It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it, and none is to poor but that he can be made rich by it.  A smile creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business, and is the countersign of friendship.  It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature’s best antidote for trouble.  Yet, it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.  Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile as much as he who has no more to give.”  -Anonymous Author

My parents are wonderful people, awesome parents, and spectacular grandparents.  Grandparents are golden and to shine your light on those little ones will mean way more than you will ever know.

Sending my love to my parents, the biggest hugs ever to my nieces, and the most awesome life change for Ryan and Bridgette.