"My grandma wasn't much of a talker - oftentimes, she could communicate more with a smile than with words. Whenever I visited her, her brown eyes would light up, and in her raspy voice, she would say, 'Well, hi sweetie, how ya doing?' After a few minutes of pleasantries, the conversation would end. Then we would sit together and watch 'Wheel of Fortune.'"
"These stories, mixed in with my own memories of her wide smile and the taste of her one-of-a-kind sweet-potato pie, cemented my connection to her. Yet when she passed away at 99, I felt guilty for not being closer to her. During my grieving, I reflected on our relationship that flourished despite the time and miles between us."
"She showed me it's never too late to change your life and you're never too old to do what you enjoy. Through our scattered time together, Grandma Jackie gave me three lessons that shape how I live today."
Growing up in California while Grandma Jackie lived in Minnesota created physical distance, yet their relationship flourished through occasional visits and brief interactions. Despite limited time together, she imparted three life lessons through her quiet presence and actions. Her communication style relied more on smiles and gestures than words, yet conveyed deep affection. Through watching television together, brief birthday calls, and her genuine warmth, she demonstrated that love doesn't require extensive conversation. Her example showed that it's never too late to pursue what brings joy, and age is no barrier to living fully and enjoying life's simple pleasures.
#family-relationships #life-lessons #silent-communication #aging-and-fulfillment #long-distance-connection
Read at Business Insider
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