There are certain people you meet in life that are truly special. Those that touch you in just a mere couple hours or those if you're lucky enough, are around to influence your entire life. My grandmother was one of those people. She could meet somebody just one afternoon and they would remember her forever.
My grandmother Gloria recently passed away and today was her memorial service. Times like these make you reflect and remind you that there is nothing more important in life than family. She was an inspiration to me, to our family, and to many people whose lives she touched.
She was lesson in how to live life to its fullest, mastering working hard and enjoying ones life pleasures. She could be intimidating to some, with her forward nature of going straight to the point, yet at the same time, she'd have a playful twinkle in her eye. She took what life threw at her, persevered, and enjoyed the fruit of her labors.
She was very independent. Even in her final years, she never looked for assistance or help, she refused to walk with a cane, battled back from injuries and fought getting older. As much as I and others wanted to assist her, her fighting spirit kept her young at heart. While many people are beaten down by the aging process, she embraced it with grace.
I will always remember when her and my grandfather took my friends and I out on their boat "Livealittle" for a Christmas party. All my friends were blown away at how 'cool' and personable she was to people my age. She was timeless and could relate to people of any age. She was very sharp and could entertain with the best of them.
She seemed to know the secret of life. Balance. Life is a funny thing, you never know how good it is until part of it is gone. She will always be in my thoughts, but never again around in a physical form. I wish I would have learned more from her, spent more time with her, told her I loved and respected her more, and just held her hand a few more times. What an amazing resource that I could have learned so much more from that I may have not fully utilized. I urge many of you to stop the rush and stress of self indulgent life and re-connect with those who are older, wiser, and smarter than you.
Although this entry is a tribute to my grandmother, I have to mention another very special person, my grandfather Sundy. He is also a living lesson in life and how to love. I can only hope that when I'm married, I support and love my wife as much as he did. He supported Gloria in everything she did, was patient and understanding, and loved her for who she was. He was a true friend and partner and knew how to let her be herself. He complimented her in a way that you can never know unless you knew them both.
My grandmother should be proud of her son, my father, Jay Winberg. Tonight, as many nights, I have realized how lucky I am that she raised such a wonderful son. My father has many of the same great attributes as my grandfather, which must be attributed to her love and nurturing. The are both amazingly supportive, patient, and loving. They are both mentors and examples in how one should lead their lives.
Most of us could only dream to live our lives as fully as Gloria did. I wish I could have shared more important moments of my life with her before she left. I wish she could be there when I find the love of my life and get married. I wish I could have made her a great grandmother and she could have held my children. I know she will be watching over me, cheering me on, and more than anything, I hope I make her proud.
I love you Gloria and will miss you every day.
