Lessons of a Grandfather

Don’t take life too seriously.

Laugh at yourself for the silly things you get mad about.

Enjoy what you have today.

I’m reminded of a story about a young man visiting his grandfather. Grandpa loved and cherished his late wife; she was his strength, his light in the dark, his life-long buddy, his bride. Grandpa had an intricate vase given in memory of Grandma which he kept full of fresh flowers in in memory of his vibrant wife. While sitting down to breakfast a sweeping wind blows and knocks the vase crashing to the ground.

“So it has happened.” Grandpa said as he moved to pick up the pieces.

“Aren’t you mad grandpa?” Says the young boy.

“No my boy, I have appreciated every day with it as I appreciated every day with your Grandmother.”

“But its gone now Grandpa, that sucks. I wish that stupid wind hadn’t knocked it down like that! So stupid. I hate the wind.”

“Kido, everything will be broken one day,” said Grandpa.

The boy paused for a moment, “That’s a sad thought Grandpa.”

“My boy, imagine and understand that everything you cherish will soon be broken, gone, and passed, but live in the present. I knew that some day a wind, a misplaced elbow, a slipping hand would brake that vase; but I did my best to take care of it while I had it and appreciate every intricate detail of it. Don’t blame the wind and get mad at the things you cannot control; understand that someday soon many things that you love and are attached to will be gone. But there is no reason to sorrow for tomorrow or hate the past. Enjoy what you have today my boy.”

Don’t take life too seriously.

Laugh at yourself for the silly things you get mad about.

Enjoy what you have today.

“The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man.
Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.”

Thank you for reading my blog – Daniel S. Herr.
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