Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Never Give Up

I know it's something that we have all heard at some point in our lives. It's used to the point of being trite. Well, I'd like to relate a story of someone who really knows what it means to not give up.

My father in law is a centenarian plus one (101). This is a man who was orphaned at a young age in a country that doesn't have a safety net like we do here. At a young age he was forced to find meaningful employment to support his brother. This is a man who had earned his way through life - not expecting things to be given to him. This is a man who in his early 50's had a debilitating stroke that left him paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak. What did he do? He re-learned how to talk and taught himself to write again. Left handed. This is a man who had his first major heart attack in his 60's. He had to be resuscitated. Twice. In his 60's he started watching his diet and religiously going to the gym to keep things in check. This is a man who in his 70's started yet another successful business to keep himself occupied. This is a man who in his 90's used to drag me to the gym three times a week so he could work out.

In short - he never gives up. He takes the cards that are dealt him and made the best out of them. The proverbial making lemonade when given lemons. And then successfully selling the lemonade. I'm a month and a half short of 53. I can't imagine being paralyzed and not being able to talk. And then living another 50 productive years beyond that.

The past month or so he has been in failing health and in and out of the hospital. Yet everyday he asks, "Am I going home today?" Yup. Never ever gives up. Three times in the last two weeks we were called to the hospital for the imminent event. Yes, that's right. Three times in the last two weeks the doctors wrote him off. Nobody bothered to tell him though.

Today he went home. Be at peace. Your legacy lives in your children and grandchildren....

17 comments:

  1. A nice story of Triumph. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. How inspiring. I always find it amazement in these stores. My grandmother was the same way. They were hard workers and never new the meaning of "quitting."

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  3. What a great story Glenn. thanks for sharing it.

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  4. He sounds like a wonderful man. His story is inspiring.

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  5. Very beautiful story. Pretty inspiring. Thank you for sharing!

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  6. Sorry to hear about his passing, Glenn. He sounds like a truly remarkable man - certainly a long life worth celebrating!

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  7. We could all learn from him. Glad he got to go home.

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  8. Glenn- it's been awhile since I've come to visit- so glad I picked today! Although now I'm in tears....thank you for sharing about your grandfather and his message about how to live life. I really REALLY needed to hear this today. He's a man I sure wish I could meet and spend some time talking to. Christine

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  9. Glenn - what a beautiful tribute! I am so sorry to hear of your father in law's passing. I am gladdened to hear of his determination and the lessons passed down to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

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  10. So Sorry to hear about your loss Glenn. He sounds like a wonderful man. Thoughts and prayers for your family.

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  11. what a nice tribute glenn! he sounds like he was an amazing man and i hope his legacy and hard-work lives on through his children and grand-children (and greats....) :)

    hope everyone is doing well.

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  12. A close place from which to draw inspiration.

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  13. What a lovely story Glenn...What a wonderful story of a life, fully lived.

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  14. Truly remarkable story... Heart attack at 60 and then went on to fully live 40 more years of life through diet, exercise, determination, and a will to live. He must have truly loved life! I'm sorry for your loss, but inspired by his life. Thank you for sharing.

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  15. Beautiful post, Glenn. Selling the lemonade. Yup.

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  16. i don't have an email for you, so i'm replying with another comment... thanks for the tip on erg workouts! for the short time i have in this gym membership i would like to try to take advantage of the ol' erg again. not that i enjoyed it per se, but it's a nice change from running.

    i also saw a woman on the erg today with horrid form. hands dropping into her lap, sinking down at the 'catch'... sigh. anyway, sorry for the random ramblings!

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