My daughter’s room will be decorated with art that members of her family have created. In the centre is one statement – “I dwell in possibility…” It’s the opening line of Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name. Possibility is what I wish for her more than anything. It’s the greatest gift my family instilled in me.
Today marks 6 years since we lost my Poppy. He was one of the most possible people I knew and his painting is the centre of the art on her wall.
When I wrote My Grandfather’s Daughter 3 years ago I was trying to put into words the gifts my Poppy gave me that are rooted so deeply in me and the rest of my family.
It’s bittersweet planting these same seeds in my daughter. I’m so excited to pass on these lessons to her and heartbroken that she won’t get to be smothered in hugs, kisses, love and laughter from her Grandpa.
As always with today, I’m re-rooting into the light my Poppy gave me. A big part of that for me now is giving that same light to my daughter.
My Poppy often worked two jobs and eventually ran his own home repair/renovation company. He also had numerous volunteer committments and was a town councillor at one point. I’m only realizing now as an adult how hard he must have worked. At the same time, I feel like I spent so much quality time with him. I always felt like his family was his top priority.
Every day I think about how to make my daughter feel the same. To make sure that no matter how busy the world gets that she knows she’s always at the center of it for me. To instill the same light of possibility that he gave me.
Being a Force for Good 