Friday, December 21, 2007
Our grandfather lead an extraordinary life. He achieved so much through the years and he enjoyed everyday. I know this because our grandfather was also a captivating storyteller. When we were children he told us fascinating stories about his childhood, his adulthood, his dreams and how he worked to achieve them. Our grandfather had a unique ability to tell his life story that taught his grandchildren so much. He loved his grandchildren more than anyone could express in words. The love that showed in his eyes and in his smile every time he saw one of us proved it. But what he wanted most for his grandchildren was that all of their dreams come true. There is so much I could say today about what an amazing grandfather he was to all of his grandchildren. As we’ve all looked back, especially since his passing, all of us know how much he loved us and we all have wonderful memories and wonderful stories. So, while we will continue to remember and tell these stories for the rest of our lives, I decided for today to pass on grandpa’s message to the younger grandchildren and to pass on to the next generation. The message: Dream. Never stop dreaming. Always go after your dreams. Enjoy everyday and love every minute of it. He taught us that there were all kinds of dreams and all kinds of achievements and that life should be enjoyed. That no aspect of our lives should be left undone, or unfulfilled. Our grandfather wanted all of our dreams to come true and he taught us that nothing was out of our reach if we were willing to work for it and put our hearts into it. When we were children grandpa told us stories all the time. He told us all kinds of tall tales and fairytales. In the end of every story there was a dream come true. The best stories were the ones he told us that we never believed could possibly be true. He once told us about a man who recently went out west prospecting for gold and found it. He told us about a man who traveled the country with new inventions. He even told us once about a new fruit tree that could grow oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes all on one tree. As children we thought stories like these were just tales he told us to inspire us to go after our dreams and if that meant prospecting for gold, then go find it - or if that meant inventing something new, then do it. But these stories had to be metaphors. Who goes prospecting for gold these days just because it was a childhood dream. And, how could anyone invent a tree that grew oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes all on the one tree. And as we grew older and the family came together for special occasions and holidays and everyone began to reminisce and retell the stories he had shared with them, we learned that the man in those stories was grandpa. He really did find gold out west. He really did travel the country with his son to sell a friend’s invention. And, in the backyard of his Florida home he really did graft a tree that was part orange, part grapefruit, part lemon and part lime. When we realized these stories really were true we realized that if we dreamed something, no matter how far fetched or unattainable it may seem, we could do it too. And that was what he had been trying to tell us, to show us, to prove to us by his example. Grandpa also taught us that there is no limit on any one person’s talents. If you wanted to be a painter for instance, you could paint. When he decided he was going to become a painter, he went out and bought all the supplies and said “when I get back from Florida after the winter’s over I’ll bring back beautiful paintings”. Sure enough, in the spring grandpa came back to Connecticut and with him he brought dozens of paintings - landscapes, mountainsides, vases and floral arrangements, seascapes - there had to be at least fifty of them - and they were all beautiful. He did the same with every project he put his mind to. Years ago when he wanted to make pottery and ceramics he and grandma made beautiful things for the family - my favorite of which was the cretch. Which brings me to Christmas. Grandpa made Christmas an absolute fantasy fairytale come true for his grandchildren. The only place that had a bigger Christmas tree than Grandpa Welch’s house was Rockefeller Center. And while the Rockefeller tree may be taller, I’m not sure it’s wider. Everything he did for his family, especially his grandchildren, was so over the top and like a fantasy come true, just like his Christmas tree. He did everything he could to be sure his grandchildren enjoyed everyday. Grandpa was always there for his grandchildren to help us achieve our dreams and to help us enjoy life. He wanted nothing short of everything for his grandchildren. That is why he worked so hard as we grew up to pass on his message. No matter what we wanted, no matter what we asked for, he was there. And every time, no matter what, he told us “this is your day”. Well, today, grandpa, is your day. Today and everyday now is your day. And we will keep what is important alive and be sure your message transcends your passing. We will continue to dream and to strive to achieve our dreams. We will do our best to enjoy everyday and to love every minute of it and we will continue to tell your stories and to remember everything you did for us so that you are always with us. We love you grandpa!
