“Roger was the strong and stoic type, and a fighter all his life. You could describe him as a man who lived by the golden rule: the gold on his ring finger signifying love, a gold watch symbolizing hard work, and a Goldwing motorcycle demonstrating freedom.”
The words above describe my grandpa, my mom’s dad. As I grieved his passing last month, I remembered his character and the legacy he has left behind. A character and legacy which all men should take note.
The hardest thing about being away from home for 11 months is the reality that life goes on, regardless of where I am in the world. Of the many changes life has brought my family and friends at home over the last 5 months, this certainly was the most difficult time to be away from my loved ones.
As I remember all the wonderful things about my grandpa, I feel called to live out this legacy he has left me for not only the rest of this World Race but for the rest of my life. His love for my grandma, his children, and his grandchildren reminds me to love those who are in my life – friends, family, squad mates or strangers. I remember the watch he wore and the stories my mom told of how he would provide for her and her siblings, and I am inspired to serve these nations as well as my brothers and sisters on my squad in the same way. I am reminded to walk in freedom each day.
The most incredible thing about my grandpa is he displayed all these admirable character traits while overcoming adversity the last 26 years. Before I was born, he was involved in a motorcycle accident that caused a brain injury. My grandpa called himself a miracle, and rightfully so. With help from God, friends, and family, he was able to live at home for many years. I had the pleasure of spending several weekends with him when he came to visit our house while I was in elementary school. Not only was I lucky to see my grandpa so often, but I also learned lessons from him that I’d eventually carry for many years to many nations.
I was blessed with the perfect opportunity to honor my grandpa by serving at Hope House, a hospice home for people from the Manzini area. When I learned my grandpa wouldn’t be around much longer, my teammate Aleisa offered encouragement by reminding me that it wasn’t a coincidence I chose to volunteer at a hospice home in November instead of other opportunities. The next morning I had an entirely new perspective on my time at Hope House and a new heart for the residents and their families. I befriended a man named Mr. Dave, one of the most interesting men I had ever met. We spent hours visiting about every topic imaginable throughout the month. In a neighboring apartment, we prayed and sang with a Pastor and his family. We were invited to attend church with them one Sunday – one of the many highlights of the month.
The pastor’s daughter really put our mission at Hope House into perspective. Each time we visited her, she shared how much she simply appreciated our presence and how much our smiles helped lift their spirits. I’m sure my family felt the same appreciation for the hospice volunteers at home. Even though I was not at home to give my mom a hug, reminisce with aunts and uncles, or attend a funeral, God used this difficult time to allow me to empathize with other families going through similar times.
It’s my prayer that these few words about my grandpa have inspired you to love, serve, and live a life of freedom. Perhaps my grandpa’s story reminds you of a loved one and their legacy. Take a good look at the legacy they have left, follow in their footsteps, and see how God uses it for His glory.
Thank you for your prayers for my family during this time.
