For My Opa
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. ” – 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
My Opa is a sweet man that lived out this verse each and every day. He was a gentleman that opened doors for ladies, and gave up his seat on the train. He smelled sweet and musky and always dressed in his Sunday’s best. He wore a tie that was perfectly pinned to his shirt and a matching formal handkerchief neatly folded in his suit pocket. It never failed, each and every day his outfit matched my Oma’s dress just right. This was just one of his many expressions of love to her.
He kept a tin of licorice mints in his pockets that he shared on special occasion, and would wipe my nose with his embroidered handkerchief when I was sick. If I was really lucky, he would give me fancy chocolate and let me stay up late watching his favorite show on television. Sometimes, he would pat me on the back and wrap me in a tight hug just because he was so excited to have my brothers and I around.
Rummy games until late into the night, and early morning bike rides were always something to look forward to when visiting with Opa. One of my fondest memories of Giethoorn is fishing with him behind the summer home, and learning to ride my bicycle. He used to push me on the swing in the garage, and show me how to tie my shoes. He was a man of integrity that encouraged us in everything we did. He was kind and thoughtful, and generous with his enthusiasm.
My Opa is a man that could light up a room with his dynamic personality. Once he made eye contact he would grab your shoulder kiss you on each cheek and wrap you up in the tightest hug he could muster. It didn’t matter if you were 2 or 20 he showered you with love and affection, and was nothing but joyful about being in your presence. He hung on your every word, and his eyes would light up with excitement when he told stories. He was a wonderful Sinter Klaas, tour guide, and gift giver. He was kind and comforting in moments of sadness or confusion.
He loved to eat, and bragged about my Oma’s cooking each and every meal. He simply loved everything about her, and we all knew it. My Opa showed me that a man can adore a woman, and he certainly adored my Oma. Even 20 years into their marriage, there was a joy and zest for life and each other that surpassed any example of love between two people that I’d ever seen.
In a lot of ways, my Opa gives me hope. I didn’t realize it then, but spending time with him as a young girl, I saw what a happy marriage could look like. He set an example for what a strong man of God and integrity looks like. When I spent time with my Opa and Oma, I learned that true love was real and that it required action. It requires good manners, patience, kindness, self control, selflessness, etc. My Opa was a refined man that understood this.
The beauty of the love my Opa shared, is that it wasn’t just of himself. He shared an unconditional love that came from God. He adored everyone, he chose joy, and never spoke poorly of others. I know with great certainty that in his time here on earth, he impacted so many more lives than just my own. I am blessed to have had the chance to love and be loved by my Opa, and will continue to hold him dear for the rest of my life.
