To My Dear Papa

Today would have been my grandpa's 90Th birthday. He passed away four years ago, but it's still easy to remember how wonderful he was. Although he lived a great full life, I wanted to believe he'd be here forever...

I was suppose to say some words at his funeral, but I couldn't bring myself to talk without turning to hysterics. My oldest brother bravely stepped in and said beautiful things about him. I wish I could have pulled it together long enough to talk because there would have been so many things to say...

I am so lucky to have had such a positive role model in my life. I didn't realize until after he was gone just how much he had influenced my life.

He taught me the importance of recycling. I used to go to help him around the house and tease him because he would save anything with a 1-6 recycle code on the bottom. The recycling often took over the counters because the bin was too far for him to walk. I would come over a couple times a week and take them out for him. I remember saying, "What's the difference? Just throw it in the trash." He would lecture me about taking care of the planet for my children and their children. I am now obsessed with recycling and limiting the trail I leave here when I go.

He was so passionate about politics. He was a hard-core democrat. I would go and eat with him and we'd watch the news and talk about politics. I didn't realize how much his passion would make me feel passionate about voting and becoming involved. He use to tell me it was our responsibility to vote. That it was a privilege that shouldn't be taken lightly. He came to America to give his children a better life. We recently found a paycheck stub from when he first came here. It was for 96 cents an hour. I think about that a lot! How hard he had to work for us and become a citizen and do it the right way. I am forever grateful for those hard choices he made. He helped me understand why America was great, so great, he uprooted his family to be a part of it. I will always vote....specially in his honor!

He could cook up a storm! When I'd go for my visits he would make the best tasting food. Then he told me I would have to learn to cook this way. I loved how he'd measure. He take a fist full of rice and say, "This is how much you put in." I'd tell him that my hands were smaller and he'd say, "Doesn't matter." It always turned out good. I am so thankful for the dinners we had together. There were these pork chops he would make that I always requested. He taught me to perfect these and I made them tonight for my family to celebrate his birthday.

I miss so much about him, but mostly I feel so lucky to have had him in my life for as long as I did. He was always kind and patient. The best kind of grandpa to have. He taught without seeming to be lecturing. He was simply there for us when we needed him. If you complimented something of his, he would insist you take it home with you. He always had candy in his pocket to share. He always addressed birthday cards: To my dear, and the name...

So Happy Birthday, to My Dear Papa!