Kayla’s Tribute to Granddad
“This tribute really touches my heart and soul as it expresses what I also remember of Daddy and it says what I would say if I only had half of Kayla’s skills. “
Some mornings I would visit granddad in his room and he’d ask me why my head looked like a fowl’s nest. I hope that he approves of my hairstyle today.
Granddad was home for me. No matter where school took me or the country I visited on vacation, I knew I would always return “home”. Granddad’s love was one of the purest and sincerest I have ever experienced. His unwavering commitment to God and his family echoed in every conversation I had with him. His presence became my solace in the most turbulent times of my life, so home became a person and not a physical place.
There are so many memories I can share with you, so many examples of how giant of a man my grandfather was. Some of my fondest memories were shared around the dinner table where we ate most evenings. Granddad thoroughly enjoyed recounting the start of his love story with PoPo and her shoes. He often reminisced about their dates and his relationship with his in-laws. He marveled at the empire they built and the opportunities afforded to assist those in the community. I always told him how proud I was of him for achieving so much with such humble beginnings.
One morning the phone rang and I answered. The voice on the other side was one of a lady granddad had helped years ago. She praised granddad for being one of the most honest men she knew. She talked about Gong Gong’s architectural acumen and how paving her driveway on the side that she recommended was the best decision she made. Because of my grandparents, that lady was able to own her first home. When I told granddad about our conversation, he gleefully said “SEE! I told you! I helped so many people.”
My granddad was an amazing man. Here are a few things I will always cherish about him:
-His faith was persevering. He loved God and attending church whenever his body would allow. I usually heard him singing and praying in the night. He constantly prayed.
-His character. A spade was a spade with granddad. He always shared his unfiltered view on a matter. He was sincere in his actions and genuinely cared for others.
-His mental acuity and wit. I've interacted with the elderly and no one compares to my granddad in his sharpness and humor. He was the master planner with the ability to coordinate special details of an event. He remembered stories better than I did.
I quizzed him on his multiplication facts from time to time and he never missed. If you listened closely, he inserted a joke in a lot of what he said.
-His calm and willing attitude. There wasn't much that ever truly upset granddad. He never complained and always took the peaceful route. He was willing to try something new and you always knew when he didn't like it.
-His appetite, probably the most voracious I know. He looked forward to meals and would tell me to finish his plate if he couldn't.
Granddad was my homie, my partner for life. He supported me in everything. He was my biggest cheerleader. He gave me advice on everything from my attire (no ripped jeans!) to dating. He always looked out for me. I miss him dearly.
Today, I pray you know how much he loved each of you, how much he truly wanted only the best for all of you. He gladly anticipated spending time with you. He would literally lose sleep before each gathering. He constantly checked his watch to make sure everyone was on time, as he was always punctual, and periodically asked for the person that was late.
He prayed for you which is the greatest act of love. Continue to love grandly, just as granddad did. Continue to be strong, just as granddad was. Continue to look toward the future with hope, just as granddad did. Continue to be the light and salt of the earth, just as granddad was. I pray we strive for excellence to become even a fraction of granddad’s greatness. His legacy lives through us. I love you Gong gong. May your soul rest in perfect peace. God bless you.
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