Walking the Walk

Today's post was all about my Poppy. One of the greatest humans to have graced my life.  I've still been thinking about him all day and how the greatest lessons he taught me weren't often words, they were through action. 

I learned how to care for others and share my own blessings when he brought me to go visiting with him and to drop off plates of Sunday dinner to people who might be lonely. 

I learned how to host and build community watching him welcome so many people to his house for a meal. 

I learned how to lead in service from this dedicated firefighter who was a leader in the union.

I learned how to step up as a leader without losing your connection in how he showed up as a town Councillor who you could always phone to listen to your problem.

I learned to make time for your loved ones from a Grandfather who lived to take his grandchildren for ice cream, take out or some treat and who never missed a concert or recital. 

I learned work ethic from an entrepreneur who taught himself contracting and home construction/renovation and then established a business for himself to provide extra income for his family.

I learned the importance of laughter and celebration from a man who could transform into a mummer, a cross-dressing surprise at birthday parties and a practical joker. 

It was through all of these actions and his dedication to everything he did that I learned the most from him. I learned not to worry too much about preaching to others about how you or they should act in a situation, but instead to just show up as that person and leader everyday.