It's hard to believe he's been gone for a year. He's still a part of our lives and continues to be an inspiration. I found this poem and it describes who he is to me to a T.
Success
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
To laugh often and love much;
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived -
This is to have succeeded.
To win the respect of intelligent persons
And the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics
And to endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a little better,
Whether by a healthy child,
A garden patch
Or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm
And sung with exultation;
To know that even one life has breathed easier
Because you have lived -
This is to have succeeded.
We celebrated and remembered him this week with a family picnic. I made the Papa Jim Bear for Nonna. I had moments of doubt, thinking it was silly or trite to give her a doll, but I felt moved to make it and it felt good to do it and I felt close to Papa Jim while I made it.
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