My (Rachael’s) grandfather passed away last week and I’ve been reflecting on his life. He was always a rock, very predictable, but his life was anything but uneventful.
He was a WW2 pilot in the RCAF, and one of 11 children in a family that immigrated from England shortly before he was born.
He was a father of 4, Grandad to 5, and Great Grandad to my 3 boys. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned from him.
He moved every day. He spent his summers at the cottage, swimming and tending his garden. He raked leaves and moved wheelbarrows of sand weekly for decades.
He gardened well into his 90’s, sharing his passion with me in my own little space as a kid, and with my son, showing him his special area to maintain and asking him to promise to continue to care for it.
He also loved golfing and regularly “eagled” at the Evergreen Par 3 by the cottage. I’m sure he could play that course in his sleep.
He drove himself to his 90th birthday party at the cottage, and I remember both he and Dan being surprised that they were both up at 530am doing their morning mobility routine on the living room floor.
He had been to a physio in his 70’s for a shoulder issue and faithfully continued his exercised for over a decade afterwards. How many of us can say the same?!
He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in his 70’s, but as soon as he received the news he corrected his diet, lost 40lbs, and never needed any medication to manage his blood sugar.
He followed his diet to the letter daily; the same breakfast, the same lunch, and a modest home-cooked supper. He made the best spaghetti and meat sauce.
He was also a tee-totaller. He saw his fellow soldiers fall victim to the bottle to deal with the horrors of war and never touched a drop of alcohol. We grew up in an alcohol-free home, and my kids will do the same.
He walked twice a day, sometimes to the store for an errand, sometimes around the block, always chatting with the neighbours. His laugh, his cheeky jokes, he was a very happy guy 🙂
He was frugal. He stored up firewood and toilet paper long before covid.
He lived a simple life, thrived on routine, and taught us the value of the same.
I sometimes wish we lived in those simpler times, but I pray we take these lessons from Grandad and use them in our own way.
As you reflect on 2024, I hope you too have someone who inspired you, someone who encouraged you, and some lessons for a life well-lived to take into the new year.
Much love, from Rachael