My grandfather died on this date two years ago. He was a great man and I’ve been thinking
about him all day.

(As an aside, my wife pointed out that it would
probably be a more appropriate to do this on his birthday rather than on the day
he died, to which I responded that, as a Jew, it just feels right this way . . .
<g>)

My grandfather was truly of the ‘greatest generation’ –
growing up through the depression; dropping out of high school to help support
his family where he was one of 11 children; eloping with my grandmother; serving
in WWII; raising children; working a variety of jobs, but always making ends
meet; enjoying retirement; taking care of his wife when she fell ill and
eventually died; living life to the fullest. I was lucky to spend so much time with him – summers here in Colorado growing
up and, more recently after I moved out here, frequent visits and our weekly
breakfasts. 

I learned many great things from my grandfather. Among my favorites was a Yiddish saying that
he taught me about embracing the path one is on (rather than what could have
been).  The (loose) transliteration is:

“Iffin
dine bubba oud gattsen baitsen, ze vould been dine zayda!”

Which means: “And if you’re grandmother had balls she
would have been your grandfather!”

Something to remember the next time you start down the
“if only” line of reasoning.

Thanks  Grandpa.