Col. George Robert Smith: 13th September 1918 - 17th September 2011

Grandpa: you were a unique man and you enriched our lives immeasurably. Thank you.

Thank you for your quiet wisdom. Thank you for your perspective. Thank you for your affirmation, your confirmation, your acceptance, your lack of judgment, your heartfelt concern.

Thank you for your empathy. Thank you for making me feel strong and intelligent enough to stand on my own two feet. Thank you for showing me that fear is nothing more than a feeling to be overcome. Thank you for teaching me to think for myself and start to accept who I am – faults, eccentricities, differences and all.

Thank you for helping me to see that physical beauty is transient, insubstantial and fades like everything else in this life; you demonstrated that true beauty is the light in someone's eyes when they smile, the ability of their heart to love without fear or reservation and the truth that resonates in the words they speak.

Thank you for making me realize that learning to live with an open heart is what truly matters. Thank you for your unconditional love, which still feels like a warm hug on a cold day. Thank you for making me feel certain of your love throughout my thirty-eight years, even during the times when I was being a total pain in the ass.

I will miss you deeply but I'm so glad you're free from pain and finally at peace. Your life is one that deserves celebration, which is why when I think of you (and I will, every day), I know that instead of indulging in regret, anger or self-pity, I will smile and feel joy that I was lucky enough to have had you for so many years.  


Thank you for everything. I love you.