A Special Day
A slightly faded photo of my grandpa and I of a meaningful moment that I will always cherish.
Editor’s note: While I am sharing this to my site on May 31st, 2025, this post was originally published on February 9th, 2014. This post will continue to evolve as I do. It’s updated to reflect growth, gratitude, and perspective I’ve gained since then.
Welcome, curious minds and kind souls. Today, I want to share a story that holds deep meaning for me. It is about someone who quietly shaped who I am today, my grandpa.
While he may no longer be here on this Earth, the love and kindness he shared will continue to live on in my heart forever. Here are some of my favorite memories that him and I shared together:
A day spent hanging out at the park together. This is something we did quite often. Whether it was at the exercise park where we would attempt each piece of equipment, at the safety neighborhood where we’d pretend to be cars together, or even just a normal park with a playground, we would have so much fun!
On occasion, he would take me for rides in the golf cart and he would show me around where he worked. I thought it was the coolest thing EVER!
Another time he even brought home an egg!
Other times, along with my grandma, he would take me to McDonald’s or Burger King to grab a bite to eat.
Then, there were the times he would bring a bucket of sand home, and I would play in the sand with my dolls or action figures four hours! While I had fun playing on my own, it was a lot more fun when we did so together.
And finally, he often shared his treats with me. And by treats, I mean Breyer’s ice cream. The one with the three flavors. The strawberry one was our favorite.
And that concludes today’s memories of my grandfather, who passed far too soon.
If there is anything I want you to take away from this post it’s that love doesn’t have to be shaped by grand gestures or perfect plans, it’s the everyday moments that you spend laughing for hours together, someone noticing that you’re hurt and making an effort to care, it’s helping someone through a difficult period of their life by showing up for them in ways they may need, or doing some fun activity together. More times than not, it’s the quiet ways we show up for each other and the steady presence of someone who makes us feel at home. So, as you continue forward, remember life is a gift and the people who make us feel loved are treasures.
Tell people what they mean to you, sooner rather than later. Carry their influence forward in the way you live, and let the lessons they’ve left behind shape how you love others. Most of all, don’t feel like you have to wait for the “big” days to celebrate someone. Even ordinary days hold a chance to become extraordinary if we allow ourselves to be present for it.
What’s one “special day” you hold close in your heart, and how do you keep its memory alive?
Happy Birthday, grandpa. I love you forever.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
