A to Z '14 - Zest

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


Z is for Zest.


My grandfather had an amazing zest for life. I always remember him having great enthusiasm for...everything!


He was enthusiastic when he played with us or talked to us. He had a passion for cars. He had a great zeal for history. Anything - and everything - that he did, he did with such energy and enthusiasm.


He showed me the importance of having passions in life. He showed me that having zest in what you do makes you that much happier.


He did nothing half-assed. He loved everything he did. His life was not dull, it was bright, beautiful, and zestful.


It has been incredibly difficult to live this past year without him - especially to live with any kind of zest. He left a huge hole in my heart. But I also know that he would not want me to mope around and hide under the covers, so to speak. So I am facing each day without him with as much zest as I can muster up in order to honor him properly. I must live my life with the same joy and enthusiasm that he did so that I may carry on his legacy. I will continue that legacy, and I will do so with zest.



Thank you for traveling through the alphabet with me and for sharing these memories and this tribute with me.


And remember, Z is for Zest.

A to Z '14 - Youth

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


Y is for Youth.


You're probably asking what a 93 year old man could have ever taught me about youth.


He taught me a lot, actually.


He taught me that youth is not something you lose with age.



He still loved the same movies and same slapstick comedy that he adored as a child.



His sense of humor and ability to laugh were one of they keys to his longevity.



He remained as active as he could. Age gave him a back surgery and two bad knees, but he continued to drive (fairly well, all thing considered), go to church and keep himself relatively busy. He didn't let his age keep him down or use it as an excuse to NOT do things.


My grandfather lived life as fully as he could at every age.


Even at 93 laying in the hospital bed, I could see the little boy behind his blue eyes.


Youth is not restricted to age. It is only restricted if you allow it to be.

Y is for Youth.

A to Z '14 - Xenial

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


X is for Xenial.


To be xenial is to be hospitable and caring - especially to strangers. They are considered helpful and useful.


My grandfather was considerably xenial.


He was happy to help people - and animals - in need.



He would hold doors to others, help by donation or by reaching his hand out to help you out. He was raised to be a true gentleman and humanitarian.


He was incredibly hospitable as well. He was happy to host our wedding at his home.






He was a good man and was always ready to help anyone in need.


Xenial is an adjective you're not likely to hear very often. The next time you do, think of my grandfather. It describes him well!


X is Xenial.

A to Z '14 - Writing

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


W is for Writing.


My grandfather was my biggest fan and supporter of my writing.


He always told me how good I was. He was positive and supportive. He told me that I do have something to share with the world when others told me that I didn't.


I can think of a handful of people who have helped me to become the writer than I am today. First and foremost is my grandfather.


He was, and will always be, my greatest fan.


I am blessed to have had someone so incredibly loving and supportive.


It's hard to see my work taking off after he's gone, but I continue to write and work diligently in his memory and his honor.


I will always write for him.


W is for Writing.

A to Z '14 - Valiance

For this year's A to Z Challenge, I am honoring my grandfather who passed away on April 3, 2013.


V is for Valiance.


My grandfather was a very valiant man.


He served in WWII. He was an MP for a while, and eventually became a speech writer in the Army. He wrote for one of the generals. He was one of the first people to hear about D Day, and wrote a speech for the general that day.


He was valiant beyond his military service, though.


He was never afraid to take risks. Business risks, personal risks - he lived on the edge without being reckless.


Never once would he refuse to stand up for what he believed in. Defending what his right, he was brave and courageous when necessary.



He showed me that you could be brave without being pompous. He was quietly strong. Never one to start a fight, but always ready to do what was best.



Valiance, courage, bravery are all wonderful attributes to have. They cannot be used carelessly. But when used properly, they are the mark of a true hero.


V is for Valiance.