Today I went to the hospital to visit my grandma. A few years ago her kidneys failed on her. Luckily one of my uncles was a match and he donated one of his kidneys to her. Her body has done well in taking his kidney, but because of getting up there in age, and a borrowed kidney, any kind of illness or sickness is always bad, and can lead to death. A few days ago, she got an infection that landed her in the hospital. She wasn't doing good. She couldn't eat, she couldn't sleep, she was in constant pain, and she couldn't even keep water down.
When I visited her today, she had taken a turn for the better. She finally wasn't in pain to where her body could sleep. She hadn't thrown up all day, and was able to drink a meal replacement shake and some chicken broth. We talked for a while and she was in good spirits. She told me how my grandpa had been there, worried about her, and not being able to sleep because he was so upset and worried. Because of her failed kidney, my grandma has been in a wheelchair for a few years now. She has an oxygen tank that she always has to have with her, and not to be gross, but she's also had a catheter during this time. And through all of this, my grandpa has been there by her side. He doesn't get vacations or days off. Everywhere she goes, he goes with her. He has to help her get in and out of bed, in and out of her wheelchair, in and out of the car. He has to help her go to the bathroom, and every other daily activity that we take for granted.
My dad and mom just celebrated their 33rd year anniversary just the other day. And here is what he posted on his Facebook. "Cheryl and I celebrated 33 years of marriage yesterday - I am hoping and praying to be even half the man my father is - with regard to devotion to my wife. He teaches me every day what it means to be a real man, father, and husband."
What is funny is that I say that same thing every day about my dad. He's the most giving, sacrificing, unselfish, man I've ever met. I hope some day to be half the man he is.
Whether we realize it or not, as men, we leave a legacy. This legacy is in the form of what we do with the people that are placed in our life. But the most important legacy is the legacy that we leave with our children. What my grandpa passed to my dad is what my dad has passed to me, which is what I will pass to my son. The sanctity of marriage, of standing by your wife no matter what, loving her unconditionally and being with her until death do you part. What my dad saw in his dad, his giving and unselfish nature, his willingness to do whatever it took to take care of his family, his sacrificing and his love has now been passed on to me by my dad. My question to you is what legacy are you leaving? What kind of man are you? What do you stand for? How do you treat women, kids and other men? When you die you take nothing with you, you leave everything behind. But the most important thing you leave behind, is your legacy.
Click here for "Called to be a man - Part 2"
Related Articles
11 Fastest Ways to Lose a Great Guy
Where have all the good guys gone?
You can't rescue someone who doesn't want to be rescued
If you want your relationship to thrive, pick up the gum. - PART 1
If you want your relationship to thrive, pick up the gum. - PART 2
