“She said she usually cried at least once each day not because
she was sad, but because the world was so beautiful
and life was so short.”
~Brian Andreas
My father Bob Grimes taught me to live life to the fullest. He had an enthusiasm for life, people and experiences that was contagious. He gave amazing hugs, was incredibly loving, expressed deep gratitude and was moved to tears by the beauty of music, nature and life.
Although my dad has been dead for 18 years, I think of him every day. I have been reflecting on his legacy in my life and the lives of my family, including my daughter Zoey who just turned 18 years old and was born 3 months after my dad’s death.
My dad struggled with health challenges his entire life. He learned from an early age that having joyful life experiences was essential to balancing the fear and pain of not being able to breathe.
He had a zest for life unparalleled because he knew that each day was a gift.
That zest for life fueled so much including his enthusiasm, positivity, love, appreciation, commitment, passion, dedication, courage, perseverance, determination and joy. It is wonderful to witness these characteristics in our family and see my dad’s living legacy.
As for me, my dad inspires me every day to live life to the fullest, be of service to others, love with wild abandon, enthusiastically embrace opportunities to grow and with deep gratitude appreciate all the awe, wonder and beauty in the world.
This quote by George Bernard Shaw was shared during my dad’s memorial service and beautifully articulates his legacy.
“This is the true joy in life — being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one… being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.
I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake.
Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
May we all be inspired to live life to the fullest like my father and nurture peace in the world from the inside out!
Sending you so much peace, love and gratitude,
Kelley Grimes, M.S.W.
Counselor, Author & Speaker
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I love that picture of you! I, too, was born to a Dad of boundless enthusiasm. Like you, I appreciate the gift. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Andrea! How wonderful that your dad had boundless enthusiasm too and that you recognize the gift of having that formative example of how to live life full on! I really appreciate your comment!
Thank you for sharing Kelley. xx This was a beautiful heartfelt post. I especially connected with the last line of George Bernard Shaw’s quote; “Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
Thank you so much Lisa! I love that quote and the invitation to give deep meaning to our lives and live fully. May you day be bright and beautiful!
Beautiful tribute, Kelley, and a wonderful reminder that peace starts from within. xoxo
Thank you for witnessing my tribute to my dad Linda and for resonating with my mission to nurture peace in the world from the inside out!
This is very touching, Kelley. We learn so much from the people in our lives (often times we see the lessons after their passing). My father’s death reminded me of my strength, my ex-husband’s death taught me a lot about “life”, and my son showed me the depths of (and ability to) “love” and “forgiveness” for self and others when he passed.
Many blessings to you. Life is an amazing adventure.
Life is an amazing adventure. Thank you so much for sharing your lessons around death. Our ability to find meaning is such a important aspect to healing the deep grief we experience with the death of loved ones. I honor you and all you have experienced and send you many blessings in return.
What a beautiful and moving post, I am so glad your father lived his life with so much joy.
Thank you Rachel! It is such a joy to see how much of his enthusiasm for life is embodied by our family and that his legacy lives on. I really appreciate your kind words!
Nice homage to your dad, and a reminder to appreciate dads everywhere.
Happy writing!
Thank you Debra! I hope you have a beautiful day!
What a beautiful picture and tribute Kelley! Your last words resonated very deeply, “May we all be inspired to live life to the fullest like my father and nurture peace in the world from the inside out!” Wishing you peace and love Kelley to you and all you hold dear! <3 Much Love, Jenny
Thank you so much Jenny! I am so grateful for your kind words and that my intention for the world resonates with you. I send you back much peace, love and gratitude!
Love this! Thanks for sharing both your and your dad’s journeys. Xoxo
Thank you so much Natasha! I feel so blessed to keep my dad’s memory alive by sharing his legacy. I so appreciate your comment!
What a gift to have had such an inspiring teacher!
Yes indeed Barb! Thank you so much for framing it that way!
Thank you for this post. What a beautiful legacy to your dad. I love this quote!
Thank you so much Nicole. I am so grateful for your kind words and that the quote was meaningful to you!
Even though he’s not in his earth suit any longer, I have to believe that your dad felt a whoosh! of love from your words above and all the comments. Such a tender testimonial, Kelley.
Such a lovely thought Lore! Thank you for your kind words and lovely comment. Sending you a whoosh of love!
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