Grandparents hold the ultimate wisdom. They are go-to for advice, recipes, and all things junk food. My grandfather holds a lot of experience in his mind. He lived in Holland during World War II and was forced to share his home with German soldiers. When he came to America, he learned English by watching multitudes of John Wayne movies. He worked hard when he was younger to surprise his mom with a small fridge.
With that being said, here are some of the most important things I learned from my grandpa as told by Ron Swanson:
1. Swear every once in a while (or all the time, your preference).
I learned most of the swear words from him when I was younger. Though you ever tell him to not swear and he would respond with, "What? Me, swear? Never."
2. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
3. "Just throw it in the cart."
"Need a new dress for the Prom that is coming up in the next two years? Get it."
"You want that new hardback book? Throw it in. I don't care. If you need it, we will get it."
He was never short of giving to others. Anything that made us happy, made him happy. He loved to take people shopping and taught me that it is okay to splurge a little here and there (or all the time. Preferences, you know?)
4. Judge a man on not if he can dance, but if he will dance.
Dancing was all a part of my grandfather's cardio. It didn't matter to him if you were good or not, just as long as you danced.
5. America is the best country.
Since his experience in Holland in World War II, he has learned to appreciate the things he has in America, the Land of the Free. He loved it every day, and every moment of the day (Obama's election was sort of iffy, but he still loved America despite their choices).
6. You're going to die anyways, might as well eat a donut.
No explanation needed for this one. Go eat a donut.
7. Big government sucks.
Again, he lived in Holland for a portion of his childhood. He had to share his house with nazis. He knew his politics.
8. Get your guns out.
In Holland, they weren't allowed to have guns, they had restrictions. Therefore, when the Nazi's invaded Holland, they didn't have anything to defend themselves with. So you better know that my grandpa bought a case load of firearms when we were old enough in America.
9. A hat is the ultimate accessory.
He loved to see me in hats. Every time I wore one my mom would send him a picture. Every time we were in a store, he would insist he buy me one. It was the best accessory for a lady. I carry that logic with me every day now.
10. Live life.
He wanted everyone to live life to the fullest. Plant daffodil flowers, listen to music, sit and enjoy a meal with the family, and just be happy. Life is better that way.
