Have you ever known someone who had such a huge impact through your association with them that your life was changed? For good or for bad, you think differently because of them; you make decisions because of their influence; you treat people a certain way because of them; you view yourself differently because of them. Their impact is lasting. It shapes the course of events in your life.The effects of a bad influence can be a heavy burden and a stifling challenge to overcome. The effects of a positive influence can enhance and bless an individual’s entire lifetime and beyond.
I have known a handful of people who have had a lasting impact on my life. Some, probably through my fault more than theirs, have had a negative effect that, unfortunately, lingers. Others, have blessed my life in so many ways that I may not have realized all of them yet.
My grandfather is among that handful of people. He and my darling grandmother have had a lasting impact for good on my life. Grandma passed away eight years ago. Grandpa joined her last month.
I was given the opportunity to speak at Grandpa’s funeral, but chose to play a piano solo instead because playing for him was one of my most favorite things. He always made me feel like I was the best pianist he’d ever heard.
Yesterday, I was telling my brother that there were so many great things about Grandpa that went unspoken at the funeral, and he said, “You had your chance and you passed, so stop complaining about it.”
Well, I’m taking the chance now . . .
Grandpa was an amazing swimmer – even in his 70’s he could dive effortlessly and glide through the water like a fish. He was good at every athletic thing he tried. He was ambidextrous and could fly fish, play basketball and everything else equally well with both hands. He was extremely intelligent. Even in his 90’s he played a mean game of Scrabble – he came up with words I had never heard before and knew the definition of each (always placing them on a Triple Word Score tile, of course). Grandpa was a brilliant chef – he made the best ham, salmon, stuffing, pound cake, fondue, etc. . . . and he loved green olives as much as I do. He gave great foot massages, and loved to be with friends and family and reminiscence. One of the things about Grandpa that made the biggest impact on me was that he adored his wife, my darling Grandma. They were true, faithful, kind people who loved to be with each other even if it was just for a quick drive to see a sunset (with a granddaughter tagging along). My most favorite thing about Grandpa was that he made me feel loved, important, and beautiful – like I mattered to him. He nicknamed me “Svelte-Lana .”
There are many other wonderful traits and memories I could share in memoriam, but the most important thing to me is that my life is better for knowing Grandpa. I am a better person because of Grandpa.
President David O. McKay once said, “There is one responsibility that no one can evade. That is the effect of one’s personal influence.”
I hope when I get to the end of my life there will be more who remember me as a blessing than those who remember me as a burden.
My grandfather is among that handful of people. He and my darling grandmother have had a lasting impact for good on my life. Grandma passed away eight years ago. Grandpa joined her last month.
I was given the opportunity to speak at Grandpa’s funeral, but chose to play a piano solo instead because playing for him was one of my most favorite things. He always made me feel like I was the best pianist he’d ever heard.
Yesterday, I was telling my brother that there were so many great things about Grandpa that went unspoken at the funeral, and he said, “You had your chance and you passed, so stop complaining about it.”
Well, I’m taking the chance now . . .
Grandpa was an amazing swimmer – even in his 70’s he could dive effortlessly and glide through the water like a fish. He was good at every athletic thing he tried. He was ambidextrous and could fly fish, play basketball and everything else equally well with both hands. He was extremely intelligent. Even in his 90’s he played a mean game of Scrabble – he came up with words I had never heard before and knew the definition of each (always placing them on a Triple Word Score tile, of course). Grandpa was a brilliant chef – he made the best ham, salmon, stuffing, pound cake, fondue, etc. . . . and he loved green olives as much as I do. He gave great foot massages, and loved to be with friends and family and reminiscence. One of the things about Grandpa that made the biggest impact on me was that he adored his wife, my darling Grandma. They were true, faithful, kind people who loved to be with each other even if it was just for a quick drive to see a sunset (with a granddaughter tagging along). My most favorite thing about Grandpa was that he made me feel loved, important, and beautiful – like I mattered to him. He nicknamed me “Svelte-Lana .”
There are many other wonderful traits and memories I could share in memoriam, but the most important thing to me is that my life is better for knowing Grandpa. I am a better person because of Grandpa.
President David O. McKay once said, “There is one responsibility that no one can evade. That is the effect of one’s personal influence.”
I hope when I get to the end of my life there will be more who remember me as a blessing than those who remember me as a burden.
1 comment:
I am so glad that you chose to play the piano because when you play it is a piece of Heaven.
Thank you so much for the other night at G&G Smith's. That will be a night I treasure forever. I love to have you play & my children gather around you and sing. I also so love when you & Nathan & your mom all sing together. I believe the viel is often the thinest through righteous music & thank you for bringing that to my life & my childrens.
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