It is sometimes through pain that we are reminded of what is truly important. It is not the homes in the right location, the bank accounts with the right number of commas, the jewels measured in millimeters instead of points, the job with the strategically placed office… it is the degree to which we have love, happiness, trust, and loyalty.

My grandfather's remaining time here with us is now measured in hours instead of months or years. He has stage 4 lung, throat, and stomach cancer. He collapsed friday, went in for emergency surgery, and somehow managed to pull through. He is the strongest person I have ever known. You tell him he can't do something, his response is always "watch me". He reached success beyond my comprehension, which I only knew of because others told me years later. He would never stoop to boast of his amazing accomplishments.

I feel honored just to have known him, much less be fortunate enough to be related. He has shown me what it means to pass with dignity. He wants his family now to help him celebrate a life well lived… he has no regrets, lived every moment to it's fullest, and has great love surrounding him now.

Driving back and forth from the beach to the desert has become exhausting, but worth it. I don't want to miss a moment… just like he always taught me.

I have, in so many ways, been a disappointment to my family. I'm not wealthy, famous, or tremendously successful (which to most of my family equates to failure). That wasn't what I wanted for myself, though. I have watched money and power destroy my loved ones my whole life. I didn't need to invite that sickness into my world as well. My grandad was the one who was proud of me for being able to say "That isn't what I want." He always supported me, even when I was the "black sheep."

As I watch the sun set on his life, I am so grateful for the gift he has been in my life. I just hope he knows… how much he has taught me, how much I have learned from him, how much he is loved…