An Open Letter to my Grandpa

Dear Grandpa,

It’s been almost 7 years since you passed away and I still wish you could be here to celebrate so many moments with us!  I don’t know if you know this, but I’ve chosen to work with older adults in seniors’ living and it has everything to do with you...  The cookie just kind of crumbled that way, but it all came together after you passed away. It all just clicked and made sense during a time of complete darkness and sadness.  A large part of it was truly seeing the change I saw you experience from the one on one care and the activities you participated in at the adult day centre. I just knew I wanted to be a part of something that was focused around improving the quality of life and .  Although, I have to be honest I’m struggling right now with everything happening with COVID-19. It’s extremely challenging but I always think of you when I’m having a tough day. 

I can’t count the number of times where I‘ve found myself at the end of a work day wishing I could share with you the different stories from my day.  My friends can attest to the hilarious stories I share with them.  Oh how I’d love to hear you laugh again.  But then again, there are other days, days where I spend all my time with the residents where I also see a little bit of you in a lot of them and that makes me smile too.  Whenever I receive a compliment from anyone at work, team member or resident, I immediately think of you and know that  our relationship, your influence, and all that I am today is not only because of you but also because of all that I’ve learned from you.  From a young age, I always admired how fair, patient, and trusting you were.  In moments where I am acknowledged for these qualities, I smile while I am praised  while also feeling completely uncomfortable with receiving a compliment all at the same time.  But I find relief in knowing that you had a big something to do with that.

I guess, I just wanted to say thank you.  Thank you for making sure that although I had lost so much that I was never missing anything.  Thank you for making sure that my dreams could come true.  Thank you for teaching me that tomorrow can always be a better day. Thank you for always seeing the best in me and for teaching me how to be the best I can be.  I love and miss you so much.  

Love you lots,

Lisa