inspiring greatness

The real great man is the man who makes every man feel great.

-- G.K. Chesterton

this quote reminds me of my grandpa, John Alonge. When he was in his 90's, he started taking Spanish lessons because he wanted to be able to say thank you to the housekeeping and dining room staff at the independent senior living complex where he was residing. He also got himself an email account and took computer instruction so he could participate in the family communication loop.

My grandpa had a smile and friendly word for everyone he met, participating equally as enthusiastically in a conversation with the mayor as with the salesperson at the shoe store. Circulation issues in his legs created weakness and pain, but he never let it stop him from his appointed social rounds ... chatting it up with the other residents, leaving a trail of beaming faces behind him. One day I asked him how he was feeling, and he said cheerfully, "My top half feels terrific!"

here's to you grandpa! You were a great man indeed.