Care-giving...an Inheritance...

     A nightly local newscast featured the need that adults in their late 40s and 50s have to care for their parents.    

     Upon my 88-year-old grandmother's death, my 88-year-old grandfather was welcomed to live with us.  For the next seven years--from 1975 through 1982, my life was enriched by a gentle storyteller.  I knew my grandfather as Ray.  We all did.  "I am too young to be called Grandpa," Ray said.

     In younger days, he had a hot temper.  I knew a man, who was filled with many prejudices.  Yet, Ray was a gentle man during my lifetime of knowing him.

     Until the day I die, I pray I may live up to what Ray said to me--to us.  

     "When I die, don't be sad.

      "I have made amends with everyone I had differences with."

     Ray's words--Ray's inheritance to me--has been a guiding light in my life.

     If I make amends with everyone I have had differences, I will have lived fully.

     Thank you, Mom and Dad.  Thank you, Ray.  

     You planted the seedlings of care-giving in my life.