My grandpa, a man who faced numerous challenges early in life, always made a point to be present and involved as a grandfather. One of the most memorable experiences I shared with him was when he took my sister and me white water rafting in Colorado. At the time, rafting was rapidly gaining popularity as a sport, and despite his unfamiliarity and our pleas, he agreed to take us. That first trip was unforgettable, not only for the adventure but also for his stubborn adherence to his traditional attire. He wore his signature blue jeans and pearl snap western shirt beneath a life jacket, refusing to change into more appropriate gear. Predictably, he ended up freezing by the end of our journey.
Despite the discomfort, my grandpa surprised us by agreeing to go rafting again the following year. Clearly, the memory of the previous year’s chill lingered, as he agreed to wear a wetsuit this time. However, his determination to stick to his ways led to a comical mishap: he wore the wetsuit over his clothes. It was a sight that left us laughing non-stop. By the third year, he had truly embraced the spirit of the activity, purchasing and wearing a proper swimsuit. This gradual transformation in his attire mirrored a softer, more engaged version of our grandpa, who increasingly participated in activities with us and adapted his habits for our sake.
This story beautifully illustrates the essence of loving others with the devotion of a grandparent. Just as my grandpa adapted his personal preferences to share experiences with us, we too should be willing to change our desires and habits for the sake of those we care about. If we approach others, especially young people, with the same patience and willingness to engage as we would our own grandchildren, we can bridge generational gaps and foster deeper connections. Instead of grumbling about the things that may irritate us, embracing them with an open heart can lead to shared joy and mutual understanding.
-Allen Hunter