It was midday when I got the call that my grandfather was not well and he was quickly getting worse. My family didn't know how long he would stay in the world. I knew I had to get to the hospital to tell him how much I loved him. As I drove to the hospital, I pictured him before I got to tell him how much he meant to me. Trying to fight back the tears, I wanted to stay calm when I saw him.
When I got to the hospital, I hurriedly looked for his hospital room. I found him in a semi-conscious state*. On my knees, I said softly, "Hello, Grandpa."
Still feeling shy, I decided not to leave his bedside without letting him know. When I asked about how he was, he told me, "I'll be fine, Henry." But we both knew that wasn't true. Then he asked me with a smile how I was doing.
Hearing what my grandpa said, I was much moved. I made the decision that I had to show my gratitude for him. As I found all the courage* I had, I hold his hand tightly. I cried out, "Grandpa, I just want to let you know how much I love you. I hope you already know that yet. I just want to make sure." By this time, the tears were rolling down my face. All those years of love that I had shut and not let him know became free.
Smiling, he said," I know. Thank you for telling me that." "All I have on this planet is my family and my love for them. If there is anything I could ask of you, I want you to be good to your family: your mother, your father, and your brother. That's all I want of you."
From then on, I began telling people how much I loved them, cared for them, and respected them. I got in touch with others to show my thanks. I went down into the city once a week and tried to help the homeless. I woke up every morning and listed everything I was thankful to in my life.
