“Every day may not be good, but there is something good in every day,” (Unknown).

This concept as hard as it is to wrap my mind around has always been expressed to me through the actions of someone who has a special place in my life, as well as in my heart. This individual has always valued me as a person; no matter my flaws or the mistakes I have made throughout my life. Not only do they provide me with their wisdom and knowledge on life, but does everything in their power in order for me to grow into the best human I can possibly be. Everyone has that one person in their life that they can look up to as a role model and feel their unconditional love; for me, that individual is my grandpa.

My grandpa is an extraordinary and stubborn man for many reasons, one that I cherish the most; he contains a trait that many don’t: altruism. Altruism is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as, “the unselfish regard for devotion to the welfare of others charitable acts motivated purely by altruism.” I say this because he does anything and everything to validate the safety and happiness of the people around him before thinking of himself. I realized that this claim may be a little bias, being his granddaughter and all, but I am confident that many people who know my grandfather would also agree with me.

Throughout our days of living, all anyone thinks about is what they’ll receive in return, and yes, I am also guilty of this. We go through life, expecting something in return rather than realizing that one of life’s greatest moments is in the act of giving. When we say the word "giving", what usually comes to mind is objects or money, but what my grandpa gave me that I valued the most was his time.

The time that my grandpa gave to me is something that I will always cherish because he gave me a portion of his life that he’ll never get back. He made it a point to attend everything that shaped me as a person; almost all my sporting games ever since I was a tot throughout my high school career, dance recitals, school productions/open house and more. I could always be able to look in the crowd and find my number one supporter. To have someone this special in my life is truly a blessing.

If it wasn’t for my grandpa, I wouldn’t really know the love and connection a grandparent could have with their grandchildren. He has been the only one out of the four that has stuck around and made me feel important, without any underlying expectations.

With my grandpa being by my side through all of life's obstacles and successes, I have a new comprehension and perspective on the importance of loving unconditionally, supporting others, being present in the moment and truly living through life’s works with a good attitude. All these factors are what leads an individual to a fulfilling life; making me owe a thank you to the man himself, for shaping me into the person I am and the person who I still aspire to be.

Grandpa, words will never explain the amount of love and appreciation I have for you and all that you are. Thank you for being the bond in a family tie that could never be broken.

Love you forever and a day,

Katie