Weblog
08/05/04 01:27 PM: Grandma
Success by Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, that is to have succeeded.
For those of you who don’t know, my grandma had been in the hospital for the past eight weeks. She came home and passed away last saturday. Sorry for the cryptic message, but I was a little down that day.
I think this poem has helped me see what an incredible woman she was. If I accomplish half of what she did, I would consider myself lucky. The only thing I regret is that I took her for granted, thinking that she had another ten years in her. I would have wanted her to see me get married and have her hold my kids, but I guess that won’t happen now.
I think everyone should take a look around and appreciate what they have. Go visit relatives, talk to old friends of whom you’ve lost touch with.
Sorry for the philosophizing, its just been a very surreal week.
Sean Powers