My grandfather and I had a very special bond and I am going to miss him so incredibly much. I’m going to miss hearing him say "Yellow? when he answered the phone. I’m going to miss hearing him call me cookie face and sweetheart. I’m going to miss our conversations discussing politics, current events, and other pressing matters. I’m going to really miss hearing his insight into life and his vibrant, exciting, and adventure filled stories from his past. My grandpa’s stories from USC and from his time in the army were so thrilling to hear and proved he lived an exciting and full life.

My grandfather was a proud USC Trojan and US Army Veteran. He swam for the USC men’s swim team and was a proud member of Tau Epsilon Pi Fraternity. He would tell me stories about his time spent at USC attending football games and studying in Doheny Library. I feel so honored that I was able to follow in his footsteps at SC and it really created a special unity between us. I remember when my grandparents came to USC my freshman year for family weekend and he took me around campus showing me his “spots” and the traditions he made when he was on campus. Sharing a legacy with him at USC will always be really special and I know I will be fighting on with him forever.

I had the honor and privilege of interviewing my grandpa with my sister a few years ago and we asked him what words of wisdom would he give to us. He replied, “You need to be patient with your life. Do not try to run too fast through life or cut corners. Make sure to be patient each day and take it moment by moment.”

The dictionary describes patience as “The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. And to be quiet, steady, and even-tempered.”

My grandfather truly embodied these words as he approached each day relaxed, with a happy spirit, an even-temper, an open heart, an open mind and a gracious attitude. In my 26 years, I never saw my grandfather upset or angry. He was always easygoing and relaxed with a big smile on his face, and he kept this spirit going even until his final days. When I would stay over at my grandparents, I would get up in the morning to him sitting at the kitchen counter in his robe and slippers, eating half a bagel, cottage cheese, and some fruit with a cup of dark coffee. He would call out “well hello there cookie face. Good morning!” He would then talk with me about that day’s current events from the paper. He was so excited yet relaxed. Never rushing through his day however still energetic about life. Over the past few years my grandpa’s body began failing him. Things began to slow down, his skin became paper thin, and ailments began to increase. However, I never once saw him complain. He always had a huge smile on his face and such a great positive attitude. His positivity was so infectious, you couldn’t be around him without feeling good inside. My grandfather really embodied his words of wisdom. He lived life mindfully and was truly present in each moment. I hope we can all take his wisdom and slow things down to enjoy each moment, just as he did.

I feel so grateful for my grandfather’s unconditional love for me and for my family. I loved him so much and I know he loved me back. I truly appreciated his genuine interest in hearing about my life, his pride for me and my sister, his guidance, support and understanding of my authentic voice and who I am. He encouraged me to always be me. He encouraged me to pursue my dreams and listen to my heart. He would tell me, “If you love what you do, its not work.” He patiently spoke with me about my trials and tribulations, my career goals, my worries, and my concerns. He never rushed me or made me feel small. He made me feel seen and heard and for that I’m forever grateful. I will miss these conversations but also feel grateful for having had them. I know I can imagine my grandfather and feel his presence when I need any type of clarity, support, or understanding.

Last but not least, I am grateful for bearing witness to my grandfather’s true love story with my grandma. I don’t know how to describe the love that my grandfather had with my grandmother. It was like one out of a fairytale book. They loved each other with their complete and whole hearts. They loved being with each other and talking to each other every day. My grandfather would still get giddy with excitement and gush over my grandma when she walked into a room, admiring her inner and outer beauty. Their love was so deep and so wide it could take up the Whole Ocean and sea. Watching them was like magic. When I asked my grandpa what the happiest part of his life was he replied simply, “being married to your grandmother.” Even in his decline, all he wanted to do was be with her. I hope we all experience the kind of unwavering love like they did.

It was in my grandpa’s final hours that his even keeled patience slipped away and agitation rolled in because his heart could not handle leaving his beloved wife. He was agitated to be still in bed because he still had such a will to live and a spirit of persistence. Holding him still was painful because there was still so much tenacity for life in him. I know my grandfather lived such an incredibly full life and while my heart hurts, it is also so incredibly full from 26 full years of loving and having him in my life.

I promise you Grandpa, I will take your tenacity for life and apply it to my own life. I will never take a day for granted.  And I promise to be more patient and more loving in your memory. May his memory forever be a blessing. I’ll love you forever grandpa.  Too-da-lou