Love is verb

When you love someone, don't just tell them that you love them. Show them that you love them. Please do.

My grandfather went to be with God a few days ago. He was the best grandfather, kind, loving, smart... everything you could ask for. He was also the most determined person I've ever known. When he was diagnosed with diabetes, the doctors were all impressed and fascinated by how he changed his eating habits and life style completely. He stopped smoking and drinking and never went back. He loved to hike and walk around the nature and plant flowers in the backyard. He loved to argue and make his points. He did amazing job raising his kids, especially my father who's the best.  He loved me unconditionally and supported me and my dream. When I spoke to him the last time, because of his hearing, he didn't seem to recognize me. But I knew that he was trying. My parents often told me that my grandfather and I have similar characteristics because we're both born in the year of rat. lol

It's sad that I didn't get to say good bye, especially because I was about to go see him next month to celebrate his birthday. And I just told my grandmother to tell him that he better get better by the time I get there so that we can spend some time together. My grandmother said that he was very excited about me going there and he was actually getting better compare to a few days prior.

When I decided to come live in the place that a half way across from them, I knew that it was bound to happen eventually. But actually being in that circumstances made you realize many things that I wasn't prepared for. I regret that I wasn't part of my family as much as I should have. I could have just picked up the phone and called them more often. But I didn't. I made excuses about time differences, and being busy. And the truth is that I didn't really know how to talk to them any more. The less I talked to them, the more I fell apart from them. It's only natural. It's not that I don't love them. I love them so much. And I wanna show them how much I love them. I'm going to be a part of their life more than before.

Just telling people you love them, or you care about them isn't enough. That's just some words. Your action speaks louder than words. Love is the verb, not a noun. You have to LOVE people. Not you have to have LOVE for them. It takes courage and efforts. Sometimes it's uncomfortable and frustrating. But when you love people you have to LOVE them. And my grandfather taught me that. I had the awareness of that concept, but he was telling me to put that into action. Change the love from noun to verb, from the concept to action. and to be in the moment with them, to live the moment with them. I miss him tremendously. But as my father and grandmother said, don't mourn his death, celebrate his life. So I will. Life is to be lived. Life is to love and to be loved. Stop making excuses, don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Now he is watching over me with the Lord. His spirit will always be with me. And I will always love him.

Love, Hope, Faith

Love you grandpa