“G” is for Gary
The last letter left in our name is G. None are more important than the others, but this one holds a special place in my heart. My grandpa Gary was a key figure in my life for many reasons. He and I had a special relationship and why he was so important to me may not be why he was important to the other people in his life.
I think that throughout his life, he learned how to show his love better than before, and I just happened to be the lucky recipient of that. Understanding more of this about him after his passing, made me realize just how open to change he really was. Maybe had he done this earlier with others in his life, his relationships could have been different. It is something I absolutely value now, knowing he went through the same things that I’m currently experiencing. I now understand how important relationships are, and know I’ve had my fair share of debacles with both friends and family while growing up.
Where one could see that he knew how to treat people, was with his customers and new acquaintances. I have very distinct memories of how well he treated people in general. It was genuine, natural, purely caring, and he had a charisma like no other. So much so, that some people had to have that eye roll reaction with a large smile. He just had a cool demeanor.
This is something I strive to achieve with everyone I interact with. It builds instant trust, and trust is the #1 priority in life if you ask me.
Another major impact he had on me was his grace. Again, not something he showed to everyone but by the time I came around, he understood how grace can actually be helpful. I’ve had my fair share of reprimands from him, but I remember one in particular very vividly. As an auctioneer, he was an entertainer. I was at every auction, and had his account to bid on the things I really wanted. He would always let me find ways to pay him back. So one time, the item I wanted so badly simply went too high. I mean, it was a really cool old John Deere toy. He cut me off, and my reaction was as “spoiled brat” as it gets. I pushed him, and ran off from the auction ring. I remember being so scared about what was coming for me after he was done. I thought for sure I had lost everything.
Instead, when he took his break from the ring, he spoke to me about it, and explained to me why it was going so high. I didn't get in trouble at all, and it smacked me harder than any spanking could ever provide. I still use that exact situation with my kids today, and if you have read any parenting books, it is one of the most popular ways to teach kids lessons. Use grace and explain the situation rather than yelling and screaming at them.
I could absolutely go on and on with other stories and lessons . However, some of them were just instilled in me without knowing. He led by example, and people genuinely looked up to him whether he was on their good side or not. He had an air about him. It was as simple as that.
Because of him, I strive to be genuine and true in everything that I do. I sometimes struggle immensely, but I know I have a compass that he instilled in me. Now that I own a business and realize just how difficult it is, I find myself referencing that compass often.
There’s no question that Grandpa Gary made me into the man I am today. Losing him was extremely difficult and I wish he was here to meet my kids and family, and that they could be lucky enough to know him. I sure hope I’m making him proud in all that I do.
