Dido

My grandfather (Dido [GEE-DOO] in Ukrainian) is ill. The human heart can handle only so much, and it’s a wonder that he’s still with us after numerous heart attacks. The past 3 weeks for him have not been good and his health has deteriorated. Yet even now as he nears the end of a rich life, he is thankful for the situation he is in. “Oh well. I am lucky. It could be worse”, he’s said on a few occasions recently.

Indeed it could be. But as he nears the end of his life, I look at what he’s taught me. He grew up poor in the Ukraine and his father died before he had a chance to know him. As a young man he was taken from his home by Germans to fight for them. Recalling this event he said that, “it’s the best thing that happened to me” as the journey that started by being taken by Germans ended up leading him to Auburn, NY. He may not put it this way, but it is evident to me, “God’s ways are not our ways.” So often I’ve taken much of my life for granted. A life I truly don’t deserve. But in times like these, one looks at the bigger picture and can appreciate what led to me being where I am today. And I am thankful. It was hard for me to say Thank You. But given the fact that he’s so hard of hearing made the encounter quite humorous.

Steve Jobs quotes have been floating around quite a bit since his death. Given the circumstances my family faces, this one stands out: “Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose.” My grandpa was a poor farm boy and had nothing to lose but his family. And I’m not sure if he ever saw his mother again. But he was grateful for the opportunity to come to America, and it led to a better life for me.

But what about me? What do I have to lose? I’m going to die someday. If I don’t keep that in mind, then I start taking every day for granted, even though it’s a gift. It’s so easy these days to take things for granted, and it’s when I do that I find my relationship with God at it’s worst. Matthew Kelly asks us to look at our lives. Every decision can lead us to be the best-version-of-ourselves or not. I’ve made some bad decisions and I still do every day. Nobody’s perfect. However Dido has taught me not to take anything for granted. To live every day as if it could be my last. To love my family more. To be better at all I set out to do. To not fear anything. I will try my best.

Steve Jobs tried being the best Steve Jobs he could be. It was hard work and he is truly an inspiration. Dido tried to be the best Nick he could be. We all have different roles in God’s plan. Most people are not called to change the world. Most people are called to change their world. My dido did that.

Please keep my family in your prayers.