My
grandfather has been my role model throughout my life. He has overcome obstacles
in his life that would seem impossible to others. His courage and character have
influenced me, and the way I choose to live my life.My
grandfather has been my role model throughout my life. He has overcome obstacles
in his life that would seem impossible to others. His courage and character have
influenced me, and the way I choose to live my life.
As a child, my grandparents could be counted on to spoil my brother and me. The most exciting part of childhood was a visit to grandma and grandpa’s house. These visits were full of Lincoln Logs and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. I thought could nothing hurt my grandfather. He was, of course, the strongest, bravest, and smartest guy on earth. When I entered eighth grade, my world of pretend was replaced with a world of reality.
When I was just thirteen, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. My grandfather had already been living with diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks, double and triple bypass surgery. I was sure that my grandfather wouldn’t make it to my graduation. In fact, the doctors gave him five months to live. This year I walked in American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life with him. He has been cancer-free for five years.
Just a couple of months ago, my grandfather was rushed to the hospital. He had three major closures in an artery in his heart. He went in for his third open-heart surgery. Our entire family was worried. We prepared for the worse, but my grandfather was more interested in the fact his nurse was from Kentucky, his home state, then he was about his surgery. He came out of surgery just fine.
My grandfather has taught me so many different things. He has taught me the power optimism can have on a person. He has taught me to work hard and to never give up. My grandfather taught me to be courageous. He taught me how to treat other people, and most of all, he has taught me how to love.
© Copyright 2003 All Rights Reserved
Updated December 3, 2003