My grandpa's funeral was this weekend. He had been struggling with cancer for the past year and had proclaimed that he had lived a good life and was ready for God to take him home. For me, his death was met with a mixture of relief, peace, and a pinch of sadness.
Yesterday, I received a typed transcript of a memory book that my grandpa had filled out a few years ago.
From a psychological perspective, it was a fascinating read. I saw the story of a boy who struggled with understanding his role in his family but learned how to gain respect in a children's home. He became a man who struggled with understanding his role in his family but learned how to gain respect in his career field. He felt strongly for those who were underprivileged and worked towards helping them realize their potentials. However, he didn't seem to quite know what to do with his own children, who were privileged and who had the resources to accomplish their dreams.
To his credit, all of his children have been successful. All of his grandchildren have been successful. He and my grandmother have created a culture that valued hard work, education, and humanitarian efforts. We learned our lessons, but we never quite felt the warmth my grandfather shared with the students he taught, coached, and championed.
Nevertheless, I am thankful for what he brought to our family. With the help of others, he pushed himself past his circumstances, and he wanted to be that support to others. His childhood defense mechanisms may have led him to believe that what is the best for him is what is best for everyone. However, he leaves behind a legacy of caring for those in need and helping others work towards their potential.
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