Forming Your Legacy (Beth B)

His name was Albert. He was brimming with love for his wife, even after 71 years together. Each spring, he would clear the forest in front of their home so that Phyllis, his wife, could see the river from her front yard. Every year, Albert would watch his beloved Twins, complain that they were "no good" and yet he never missed an inning. Even at 92, he went deer hunting. Since there's no point to living, if you have to miss a hunting season. His favorite saying to his children was "well, you aren't the best but you are better than the rest." Secretly, they knew that he burst with pride over his children, but he never wanted them to get a big head. He and his wife always had a huge garden and plenty of fish and meat on hand because, "You never know when someone might need a little extra hand".
Albert was also set in his ways. Men should have good haircuts and be clean-shaven, otherwise they are just being lazy. Meat should never be tough. Foods should never look as though "Its already been eaten once". Men take care of their families, no matter what. You do what is right, regardless of what others say about you. And you serve your community. Albert took care of the sick and the aged, calling on them daily. He advocated for conservation practices, although he steadfastly refused to talk politics with anyone. He would cuss at the dog and feed it table scraps. Often he would secretly slip money into the hands of his grand kids. Lastly, Albert never complained about things that were outside of his control. He was a content man.
Albert is my grandfather. He passed away last week. He took part of my heart with him to heaven but he left me with so much more. My grandfather's legacy amazes me. He and my grandmother always stressed family. You love, support and accept the kin that God gave you. To them parenting meant that you accept your children and train them to choose what is right. Never settle for being your child's friend when you can be their parent. As I sat at his funeral, I witnessed Albert's beautiful legacy. We are a rag tag group of very different people. Yet, we are there through thick and thin for one another. This is a result that I am certain made Albert smile.
It has also caused me to ponder, what sort of legacy will I leave? What will my loved ones say about me in my eulogy? As I pause to remember my grandfather, I think it would be fitting to make sure that I am caring on his legacy. It is a worthy one.