TOPIC: Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence.
What was labeled one of the happiest days of our lives was the day my grandfather took those few steps. He had that childish look on his face of exhilaration and triumph. Something as simple as taking two or three steps meant the world to him.
Grandfather had always been a dignified, independent man. But about two years ago, grandfather was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumor. His sickness stripped him of his pride and self-sufficiency, and he was relegated to a wheelchair. He hated his wheelchair; it reminded him that he was forced to rely on others to live his life.
As his condition worsened, he started to lose more of his pride and dignity. All he could do was sit there and watch as people cleaned, fed and bathed him. Such simple tasks, like turning your head around or holding your phone became undoable.
What was so overwhelmingly heartbreaking was the fact that as hard as he tried, his body just didn't respond. I remember, him holding a cup of coffee, which all of a sudden just fell right out of his hands. He felt so horrible about it; he would apologize and apologize, and exclaim to us that he couldn't understand what had happened; he had lost all control.
I would watch with tears rolling down my eyes as he struggled doing the things I do pretty much every second of the day. Grandfather has taught me to always appreciate life's little pleasures and to forever be thankful with what you have been given, because as I've learnt, it can all be taken away from you.
During his last few months, grandfather uttered, ""Shukur Munja Sai", which translated literally means, "Thank You My Lord".
Grandfather reiterated the belief that he should remain appreciative with his current state and exclaimed that so many people in similar circumstances were worst off. I was with him during his last few months urging him to push through with his physical therapy, pleading him to keep going. He then looked at me with those eyes and gave me that customary smile; I thought to myself, "how can he still be thankful, he is suffering so much". I then took a moment to look at myself; the legs and arms that I once took for granted were the very fruits grandfather desperately wanted but couldn't operate.
I now see my life as a gift, a gift that should be cherished, and a gift that should never be taken for granted. My days, regardless of any happenings, begin and end with a small thank you to first and foremost my grandfather and then to God.
My grandfather now watches over me daily up there in heaven, free from all the suffering. His life will forever serve as a reminder to always enjoy and cherish the little things, because one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things.
