Always be humble and kind.
Tim McGraw sings it….
Beautifully.
This man lived it….
Fully.
I was on my way home from my weekly manicure date with my grandma tonight,
With my grandpa on my heart,
When this song came on the radio.
The words are lovely and loving.
More so because they fit my Grandpa to a T.
It’s been 25 years since stupid cancer stole him from us too soon.
25 years…..
And yet I can still hear his voice in moments of quiet,
moments of incessant noise,
moments I need him near.
My grandpa was a man of wisdom and wit.
And 1,001 saying to fit the world.
“Christmas in July” when my Grandma walked in the room.
“What do you mean?” I once asked.
“Oh, Honey. I’m so blessed to have your Grandma…it’s like Christmas in July!”
They just don’t make love like that every day….
“If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem,” when I had a whiny moment.
“But Grandpa….” I’d plead.
“Well???”
‘Nuff said. And he’s right. It’s a lesson I’ve taken to heart. It pushes me ever forward.
“Study long; study wrong!”
…OK….
This one was about playing dominoes.
Which he NEVER “let” us win.
But what tremendous life lessons we learned while shaking the bones at the kitchen table!
“You got your driver’s license?”
…every single time we got in the car.
His way of saying, “I love you. Be safe. Take care. And behave!”
….and do you know? I carry my license everywhere!
Humble and Kind.
That’s him.
Alfred Hoerig.
A simple man.
A great man.
Humble and kind,
Indeed.
Then sings my soul…..
The Blue Heron (Then Sings My Soul) 
As I read your writing I can see him beside you. He is there, in your heart, in your life his wisdom and love still guide you and support you. Thank you for sharing such a glimpse of the man you knew and loved.
Oh yes. I feel his wisdom and love so often. Thank you for sharing in the memories. Telling his story keeps him near.
This is beautiful. I am so jealous of people who knew their grandparents. Three of mine were gone before I was 1 and the Grandma I knew lived very far from us. You were given a great gift.
Oh yes. Deeply, richly, truly blessed. Telling his story keeps him near.