My Grandpa was known for his optimism. It wasn't fake, it was very much authentic. He would allow himself to cry and he would express to me the things and people he missed, but he also expressed the positive things that he found. My Grandpa treasured each day. He looked at everyday as a day that God decided to make and he was thankful for it.
Life lessons, a positive outlook, and puns were my Grandpa's famous attributes. He had a saying that he shared with me often. "What ever is, is best because that's all you've got." I've held on to this saying because it's so true. Things happen, life happens and we go through trials and loss, but also so much happiness. His whole outlook on life was to look at the small and big blessings in life and to remember that trials are temporary.
A life lesson of his, which is a constant struggle for me to embrace, is his thankfulness and happiness in any situation and phase in life. I'm always looking to the future. "I want this to happen," "I need to work towards this," "I want this adventure." These phrases are constantly swirling in my mind. It's so hard for me to be happy in the present. It's great to have goals and to look forward to things. I'm thankful for my drive, but I've lost a lot of precious moments along the way. Grandpa had numerous health issues, he had lost his sight, and after my Grandma suddenly passed away he had to move to assisted living. Yet through all of this he was content with where he was.
Grandpa focused on the positive things; the kind nurses, the food, going to church, and every visitor that walked into his room. He expressed to me how much he missed Grandma, and how he wished he could see again, but he knew he was not made for this world. He was made for another world--Heaven. Grandpa held on to that tightly and it shaped his priorities and his outlook. I get so caught up in this world, to be honest I rarely think about what's beyond my life, that there's a whole other place that I'm made for. He has reminded me of that. Grandpa decided that since he was made for another place, a far better place he often said, that he would enjoy everyday and appreciate every conversation, every meal, every visitor. Through this he was also give the peace beyond understanding that the Bible talks about, that Jesus promises. I pray for that peace and Grandpa taught me it's right at my fingertips. I need to just let go and grab it.
Oh, what I've learned from him. Now I need to try my best to put it into practice. I'm not a downer, but I focus too much on this world. Knowing that I'm made for another place doesn't make me neglect this world, but instead treasure the small things that represent Heaven--love, kind deeds, happiness, relationships and to remember that tough times are temporary and soon we'll forget they even happened.
I'm reminded of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes, another man who faced many trials, but had a happiness and peace that many of us can only imagine.
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
My Grandpa knew that nothing could ever completely bring him happiness with no strings attached, but he knew there would be a day where everything would be pure and satisfying happiness.
Thank you Grandpa for what you taught me. I'm glad you made it to that other world and I can't wait to meet you in that "far better place."
These photos were taken at The Grotto in Portland. I love this place and it's a peaceful sanctuary for many. If you live in the Portland area or visit, I'd recommend stopping here. It's a beautiful sanctuary in the city. Here's a few pictures I took while I walked and contemplated the loss of my Grandpa. Although I have to say they don't do justice for this place. I don't have photos of the main Grotto (which is spectacular) and of the beautiful church. They also have upper gardens that I didn't visit. 
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