It’s sad that it takes someone dying to make us truly appreciate life. I spent last weekend in California visiting my ailing grandma. She doesn’t have much time left and unless she makes it to Christmas, it was probably the last time I’ll get to spend with her. Spending time with a dying loved one really makes you think. Yeah, it makes you think about death, but mostly it made me think about life.
In a recent interview, Zola Budd said, “Running and other stuff passes away…The legacy you leave for your kids, that lasts.” I read that quote on the plane down to California and I can’t get it out of my head. My grandmother is leaving behind a great legacy for her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.
The legacy my grandmother leaves is far reaching. She is an amazing woman, the matriarch of our family. Her roots extend from Southern California to Iowa to Ireland and beyond. Along each step of the way, she managed to touch the lives of every person she ever met.
My grandmother has always taken care of herself. She’s maintained a healthy weight, lived an active life, and eaten a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables. She has truly lived her life according to the mantra, “All things in moderation.”
These days, I too try and live a life of moderation. And while I don’t think that my grandma is 100% behind that choice, I definitely believe that she has contributed to my decision. I want to be healthy, fit, and lively like her. I want to set a good example for my kids just as my grandma did for hers.
Today, I’m excited about the man I’ve changed into over these past few years. I’ve still got a long way to go before I reach my goal, but I’m getting there. One of the people that I have to thank for my success is my grandma.
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She sounds like a great person Mac.
We should all live a life by setting examples for others to aspire to.