More Than A Gift…

Very seldom are we gifted with a truly extraordinary person in our lives. I mean a person who completely changes who you are, and what you strive to become…forever. These once in a lifetime opportunities are so rare that some people will never have the experience. But when you do, clearly, it is a wake-up call from on high, to step it up and live up to your potential. A nearly perfect example has been placed in front of you, and you should take full advantage of all of the wisdom and experience of this sage.

In my case, it was an older gentleman whom I would come to know and love in a capacity that I never imagined I would find as an adult. He was the grandfather that I never knew in my childhood, and so much more. He was gentle and kind but in a worldly way. His wisdom allowed him to see and access anything or anyone in a very honest manner. But he kept that knowledge to himself, knowing that having it was its purpose and value. He never imposed it on others for his own benefit, or to control others.

He was a quiet man, but when he spoke, his thoughts and words held great meaning. He shared but never told or demanded. And above all else, his love of family was the driving force in his life. He had been places and seen things that would turn most men into bitter souls, but this man chose to use those mental images as a motivation to be the best person that he could be and to do good for others whenever he saw the opportunity.

A smile of approval and a hug from him was high praise that warmed my heart as if I had been lifted up onto a pedestal and touched by a ray of sunshine that would never find its way to earth. It was so fitting that his name, Albert, is from the old Germanic name Adalbert meaning noble and bright. He was truly the guiding light of his family and is to this day our North Star that provides guidance when we need it the most.

I never felt that thank you was enough to say to this man for all that he taught me and gave to me over the years. But there was one thing that my husband and I could do to show this man just how much he meant to both of us. We chose to pass his name on to our son, to honor Grandpa, and also in hope that our son would somehow gain some of the amazing qualities of this special man.

Nearly three decades have passed since the day that I held my breath and watched as my husband introduce Albert Anthony to Albert Stephan. I can close my eyes and see it as if it were just yesterday. This ever so humble man stared down at the tiny child in his arms as if he was the greatest treasure that he had ever witnessed. And at that moment, I knew that the bond was there, and our son would also become a great man.

Little Al has grown into a man who would certainly get that smile of approval from Grandpa Al. The kind heart and concern for others are apparent, albeit with a few rough edges that will smooth out with age and life experiences. And with his help, we continue to honor Grandpa on this special day, his 103rd birthday and the day we chose to get married.

Knowing this man, being welcomed into his family, and being the beneficiary of his love and wisdom inspired me to become the best person that I can possibly be. I strive to follow his shining example and to pass his wisdom on to the next generation so that the world continues to see and experience the strength of character, the love and the wisdom that was Albert Anthony.