I met an older man a little over a month ago at my job. He made me want a grandfather again or just wish that he was mine. I only saw him a handful of times at work because it was at a location I only go to twice a week, but he's only there for one of those days in the week. About 2 weeks ago, I no longer saw him at work, and I kept forgetting to ask, where he was. So finally I remembered on Saturday (because my mom reminded me because I would talk about how nice this guy was) to ask one of his co-workers and I got not the best news. This wonderful, spirited, wise, kind, and kindhearted man passed away at work some 2 weeks ago. I couldn't even remember his name, all I knew was I was instantly sad. I was really ready to ball my eyes out, which if you knew me it would be a shock, because one, I don't like to cry in front of people, and two, I like to keep my emotions under control. It really took some serious calming down not to cry while I was at work. And I had to think to myself, 'I only knew him for a little over a month, I couldn't remember his name, and I've only seen him about 5 or 6 times, so why was I sooo upset that he passed' I am even getting a little emotional thinking about it as I type this.
So I came home and told my mother what I found out and how I felt about it. And I told her I thought it was weird that I felt that way for knowing him for such a short time. I honestly can say I loved this man like I love my parents and my siblings, etc. I feel like someone from my family has died. And she said something that I continue to think about, what older wise people say, that that man left such a huge impression. And it got me thinking about if I do that at all to anyone? Am I as great and loving a person as that man was to leave a wonderful impression on someone?
I don't want to end this post with all of the sadness I put into it in the beginning. So I just want to say, fortunately the last time I saw him, he asked me among other people at the workplace "did you know that everyone NEEDS at least 3 hugs a day? and did you get your 3 yet?" And it was early morning so of course I didn't. So he gave me a great big bear hug, me being encompassed in his over 6 foot, big Santa Claus belly frame, like only a loving grandfather or father can give. I will always remember how that made me feel. But most importantly and happily, he was able to join his wife that he often talked about who had passed some months before him. So in true the experience was happy, but man I didn't know such little time with someone could effect them (mainly me) so much.
I hope whoever reads this remembers that every contact you have with another person could change that person's life in any, however minute, way. So leave trails of love, kindness, and wisdom for those people you touch to absorb.
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