was the most amazing man I've ever known.
His father came over from Ireland, was poor beyond words, and despite being a genius of an inventor didn't know anything about business and therefore continued to live in poverty throughout the great depression.
His mother died when he was very young.
He made the dinners for his younger sibling to the point that he always joked that he loved the burnt cookies because that is how he was used to them.
He decided things would be different for him and his family.
He worked three jobs while in school to get an education.
He started off as a trash collector.
He never talked about his military service - or at least not to me.
But what he did talk about was the stunning nurse he met.
How he couldn't wait to get back to her.
And so they were married. And our family began.
He worked his way up to being one of the head hanchos of a very large banking company.
He went to night school to get his MBA to continue to climb the corporate ladder.
And boy, did he ever.
My grandfather is the definition of the American Dream
He spun nothing into complete gold
And he gave it all to his family.
All his grandchildren agree - none of us have had a better role model.
He was so remarkably patient. As my grandmother developed alzheimer's, he would sit there and repeat the same answer to the same question over and over without any hesitation.
He was remarkably supportive. All 14 of his grandchildren have come out as very uniquely their own person. And he supported each and everyone of us and encouraged us to get our education.
He was generous beyond words.
He was remarkably supportive. All 14 of his grandchildren have come out as very uniquely their own person. And he supported each and everyone of us and encouraged us to get our education.
He was generous beyond words.
He was modest. To him, he was always the guy that started as taking out the trash.
And his famous words, through the highest number of heart attacks I've ever heard of, through amputations, through dialysis three times a week for years, have always been "never been better"
This week I will be joining my family to celebrate this wonderful man.
8.17.1926 - 2.24.2012
6 comments:
A beautiful man your Grandfather was, and will continue to be because he will always live in your hearts & memories!
What better way to say goodbye than to celebrate the wonderful man, husband,father,grandfather,& human being that he was. My heart is with you and your family during this time and I pray that you may all find peace during this very hard moment.
I loved being able to chat with you and listen to your beautiful voice on Friday! Thank you for opening your heart the way you do! That goes to show what a beautiful family you come from!
Love you Phoenix!! May your sweet grandaddy R.I.P!
xoxo
This is such a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. He sounds like he had an interesting life.
My condolences on your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
What a sweet love story of your grandparents! and such a lovely tribute to your grandfather the way you put it he was a great man :) My heart goes out to you and I will surely say a little prayer for you and your family. Hugs.
So sorry to hear about your loss. It sounds like your grandfather was an amazing man and I am glad to know you did get to have him in your life and for at least a very good part of it :) what a wonderful giving man.
Oh what a loving tribute. It gave me goosebumps! Sounds like he had such a positive outlook on life, and such a great influence on his family as well. Hugs!
PRICELESS! ((hugs))
Thank you for sharing your life... very magical :]
Sorry for your family's loss (prayers) <3
Yet, it seems your Grandfather lived life to the FULLEST & left his legacy BEHIND....
You are blessed.
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