For my Teaching and Evaluating Writing course this semester, our kick-off assignment is to write a personal essay. Let me start out by telling you that this is an English Writing major’s dream! Being able to draft an essay about something that actually happened is beyond fun! I pondered many ideas and came to the conclusion that the only experience I could write about at the time is my Granddad, since he is, admittedly, one of the main things on my mind recently. In writing, I found that I still hear some of the things he says, even since he passed away last month. While I may not hear them in his voice, it’s like a "whisper" of hope from an angel, perched on my right shoulder; the most beautiful angel I could ever dream of having.
When I miss him the most, I hold onto the panda shaped necklace he bought me and I hear, “if I don’t see you around, I’ll see you square.” There is nothing that engulfs his personality quite like this phrase. My Granddad, when he felt up to it, was the wittiest man in a room.
Oddly enough, hope whispers “a smile is not rehearsed,” when I feel myself genuinely smiling. I have been fortunate enough to look for the good in this situation and help those who are still struggling with the idea that someone is missing. With that being said, I have had a lot of great experiences that have made me smile like I have never smiled before.
When I broke my foot in three places the other day, I didn’t cry. Yes, it hurts but something reminded me of the phrase “still sucking air,” and almost instantly I felt like as though I am the healthiest person walking the earth. This is probably my favorite. It makes me recall that I am very fortunate to have my health. It makes me realize that I should retract when I am being dramatic about little things, after all, I’m still breathing.
No matter what, I was always the type that needs to be validated. Any type of relationship, family or friend, I have always needed a “cushion” if you will, just to verify that I really do mean something in that person’s life. It was admittedly the cause of many ruined relationships, until that all changed, when I heard, “I’ll always love you until time stands still.”
And finally, when people are not nice or appear to be on edge, I hear “I hope that your life is full of happiness and joy.” Probably hear this to remind me to be as nice as possible, if there is one thing my Granddad could do, it was to kill them with kindness.
Remember, angels are not always for those who are religious. Almost instantly, when I find myself missing my Granddad, he is there! I encourage you, in your mourning, to remember the funniest quotes your loved one used! Those words are your saving grace to get through the toughest times and always hold on to the good memories.
