Today I'd like to dedicate this post (I know it's been a while!) to my incredible Granddad. He passed away about two months ago, and his memorial service was held this past weekend. What an inspirational, kind, loving, smart, and funny human being he was. A super grandfather too :)
Growing up, he'd always say to never stop learning, to enjoy life, and drink a beer! Okay, maybe not the last part when I was little, but he always wanted to get us grand-kids to understand more about life and humans as a species (Species was one of his favorite words). He was a Harvard alumnus, Class of '45, and loved learning. Every time we visited, we'd hear the same piece of advice: "You have to make sure you take classes in Anthropology, Geography, and Geology - you need to learn more about our species - homo sapiens!" I'll never forget it.
And he was right. In a world that is moving so quickly that we eat in our cars, text instead of call, and email on vacation, we must not forget that we are all human beings - homo sapiens! - that are born into this world, live, and die. And we mustn't waste any minute of it.
We need to make more time in our days for our loved ones, to smile and say hello to a stranger, to explore the world around us, to look up from our phones and devices, to breathe in nature's sweet air and realize the beauty in life's simple pleasures.
We can't forget the most basic of human functions: eating, drinking, sleeping, breathing, and gossiping with our fellow humans. Yes, even gossiping counts here. Humans were given the gift of language and we can't forget that devices are no replacement for a good ol' gabfest with our closest friends and family. Gossip and dramas are what drive us, what move us, what inspire us, what keep us going through the day. Sharing in each other's lives is just as important as eating to keep us alive. My Granddad was a big proponent for living with ease and less stress, to see the positive in every situation, and to share your time with those you love, whether it was with food and drink (beer!), or just to sit and talk or walk around the garden. He understood that we are each better off communicating with one another than standing alone. He recognized that some of life's best moments are the simple ones. He also knew that education is a lifelong process, that it shouldn't stop when you graduate from high school or college, but that it should be a permanent fixture in your life. So many wise words from such a wise man...
And just for the record, I did take Anthropology and Geography in college, and you know what? Granddad was right, there is much to learn about our fellow homo sapiens, and so much more we still don't know.
Love you Granddad, I hope there's lots of beer in Heaven!
XOXO
