My grandfather's love was powerful. Being in his presence, you could feel his warmth. Just hearing his voice made me happy and relaxed. I will never forget the love that pop-pop showed me.
Throughout my life, it made me happy and warm just being with him, whether we were watching football, baseball or judge Judy. One of my first memories that I have of grandpa is curling up next to him on the sofa and laying my head on him. I still remember how happy and comfortable I was next to my grandfather. Whenever we were together, in person or over facetime the love and warmth I felt from him was boundless.
My grandfathers' love was unwavering. I knew he would always support me no matter the decisions I made. Knowing my grandfather was in my corner gave me the confidence to be me. He inspired me to grow my beard and he was the first to compliment me on it. His words of support and encouragement in every endeavor I took lifted my spirits even when I doubted myself. I knew I would make pop-pop proud no matter what I did, and I was always eager to share my accomplishments with him. When I came to college, I always looked forward to our Sunday night calls where I would tell him my week's successes. Hearing his praise and seeing how happy I made him meant the world to me and I know my successes meant the world to him too. On more challenging weeks, hearing pop-pop's voice warmed me up and gave me the confidence to keep pursuing my dreams.
Besides the immense amount of love my grandfather showed me he also inspired me in multiple ways. One way I was inspired by my grandfather was through his passion for collecting art. Pop-pop showed me through his art collecting that all you needed to believe in was yourself. The art my grandfather collected was bold but he liked it and that was all that mattered to him. In my own apartment, I have started collecting art that I like, a decision that was inspired by my grandfather. Seeing his confidence in his own beliefs inspires me to believe in myself.
My grandfather also influenced my love for music. When I was younger we would listen to his CDs together. I started collecting vinyl’s when I came to college so that I too could have a collection of music just like my grandfather. When he moved to Florida I showed him one of my favorite jazz ensembles snarky puppy and he liked their music as well. I remember coming out of the shower one time to pop-pop blasting snarky puppy so loud that the whole building could here the upbeat jazz music. I was so happy that he liked the music I showed him.
Another way my grandfather inspired me was by his way to always live life to the fullest. When my grandfather pursued his education he decided to study physics to the highest level, obtaining his PhD. When he went to get his PhD signed he bought a Mont Blanc pen for the occasion. He gifted me the pen he used and I hope to use the same pen when I get my PhD. My grandfather also pursued the best for his sound system. I will never forget the two massive speakers he had in Westfield which always seemed to tower over me. My grandfather's love for enjoying life has inspired me to always go out and enjoy my life.
I admired my grandfather and I will never forget the love he showed me. He gave me the confidence and courage to be me and inspired my interests. My grandfather's love meant the world to me. He was such a warm and special individual and I feel truly blessed to have had him in my life. His love made the good times sweeter and the hard ones easier. I will forever miss hearing his voice and spending time with him but I will always remember the time we spent together with fond memories and joyful feelings.