MEMORIES and LESSONS



My nephew Ben wrote and recently presented a speech about gratitude (which also featured his grandfather Peter (my father)) to the junior high school students of Mackenzie College. 
He posed the question: What is gratitude? 
Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Ben reflected on the volume of memories and lessons from his grandfather, someone who had a significant impact on his life. He continued. I thought about fishing on his boat where he taught me the meaning of patience. The fish don’t bite instantly, you have to wait, watch and be still. I remembered him coming to most of my rugby games, standing on the sideline, rain or shine. That was a lesson in unconditional love and commitment. I thought of the fun we had, the silly pranks and jokes, the wrestling matches, all simply lessons in fun and joy. Most importantly, I remember the countless examples of kindness - the way he always went out of his way to help others. 
My grandfather, Peter wasn’t teaching me in a classroom he was teaching me by living his life. I am full of gratitude for the values he instilled in me. He taught me the power of a life lived with generosity. 
A famous Roman philosopher and statesman, Cicero once said, ‘Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others’. 
Who can you be thankful for? Who do you appreciate? That appreciation fuels patience, kindness, love and humility - virtues our world needs more now than ever.

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