My Granddad‘s Light
a poem about presence, love and protection
My life began without memories. In particular I am missing any of my granddad, my father’s father, who they say was a true light – no memory tells me about him, but kind men show me his heart.
The steward whispering – skip to the middle seat so you can sleep – while we cross an ocean by night.
The stranger drowning out my frown, kindly suggesting, – switch sides of the train – to catch a picture of the old oak tree.
The pedestrian brightening my morning walk – encouraging smile praising my dreams of flowers in makro mode.
The morning stroller, passing by, – his hands asking if he may help – to save my car from crashing into another blocking my way.
The customer in the bakery, shouting bye, confused, but nothing short of pure, – leaving a warm smile on my face.
The dying old guy, sharing his light, minutes before he passes by – it’s not your path to take. Not now.
The sportsman gently caring – I heard there was no water left, take mine instead.
The neighbor, I will never meet again, – energizing my old and tired car for one last drive to the garage.
The savior paying it forward – moving heaven and earth (does he know what it means) to prevent me from loosing my camera and a part of me. (He knows.)
The guiding saint – exposing hidden art, a weird church and how to trust. The only one I have a picture of, still the biggest mystery.
The botanical-garden-visitor offering a train ride in exchange for listening to anything but flowers – making me feel needed, when I need it the most.
Attentive eyes, warm smiles, gesture of care; all of you make me believe : human connection its home, the power to heal and connect us all.
Dear grandpa, if you hear this – I am grateful for your presence; please if you can send (me) some light for your son.
My family tells me my granddad loved me a lot, I made him smile and he spoiled me immensely – like he did with everyone he cared for. There’s a picture of him, my mom, sister and me with a new bike and a child seat he bought for us. My dad says I joined him on a hospital visit days before his father died and he still remembers me lightning up the atmosphere. I have spent hours staring at old photos waiting for only one single memory: my grandpa holding me as a newborn on Christmas and one year later feeding me tangerines; my grandpa with my grandma, who looks so much like my dad and who made me feel so much love . Still my mind has stayed without a memory. I remember praying every night that our dear lord allows our dear granddad to come into heaven. I still pray for him. I have also prayed for memories. Not one has ever come to my mind. But I know there are plenty in my heart. That’s what made me start to look somewhere else.
Thank you for reading and much gratitude to the souls mentioned in this text – for the enriching impact you have had on my life and for sharing your light and love 💛☀️.
