William Penn Life, 2018 (53. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2018-10-01 / 10. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham Discovering my grandfather I GREW UP WITHOUT knowing my grandfather on my father's side. There was only one picture of him at my grandmother's house, a black and white 5x7 that sat on a table in the fancy living room. My Nana was a very bright and talented woman, but I never thought of her as warm. She rarely returned a hug, but she was an excellent cook, so in my mind she was a great gal. My grandfather passed away when he was 45 from lung cancer; my dad was 16. There was never conversation about him at holidays or family brunch after church. I knew he had been a doctor, but that was about it. The house where my father was raised was always stoic and formal. It was as if my grandmother resided there, but no one lived there. The relationship between my dad and his mother and sister was strained. There was always small talk but not a lot of laughter. I never understood it or questioned it; we just accepted it as normal. Just a few days ago, I received a message from my sister. Our cousin had sent her a box containing information about our grandfather. Within minutes, I had located his obituary. He was so handsome and his eyes were kind and soft. A flood of emotions came over me when I saw him—I am part of him and he is so whole and good. My sister read me a letter that our grandfather had written to his parents on his 21st birthday. He thanked them for all they did and said, "now it is my duty to have a life-leave a work—which you and father may be proud to look. With God's help, I shall do my best to perform this obligation." I learned that he was honored by the military. He was quite a decorated and noble man. He was a prestigious physician and surgeon and a leader in the community. He was my grandfather, and I am beyond thrilled to learn about him. It's as if all the pieces of a disconnected family are much easier to understand. Letters exchanged between my grandparents before marriage portray a deep love and admiration and a will to do work that will help others. The photos reveal a smile and heart in my Nana that I never imagined. Perhaps when her husband died, so did a part of her. I wonder if they were once a loving family that could not recoup after such a loss. I have great love for my grandfather; he was a man among men. I am a part of his legacy; I will do my best to live up to his standards. No matter the age of your grandchildren, leave something for them. Let them know how your life came together. Describe the love you had when you married. It's such a gift—a beautiful, changes-everything kind of gift. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Show your WPA pride! We have a shipment of our popular Lands’ End® brand, 100% cotton, short-sleeved polo shirts featuring an embroidered William Penn Association logo. These are the same comfortable shirts worn by volunteers at various WPA events. The men’s shirt features a two-button placket, and the women’s shirt features a four-button placket. Available in charcoal heather grey only, while supplies last. Name:______________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________ City:_____________________State:________Zip:_________ Email:_______________________________________________ Size (Circle One): Mens S M L XL XXL Womens S M L XL XXL Make check payable to ‘‘William Penn Association." Mail form & check to: Shirt Offer, William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 October 2018 0 3
