My wife’s grandfather is fighting for his life in Norfolk’s heart hospital. His heart needs kick starting and on top of that he is fighting cancer that was discovered last month. NICE! Here is the inspirational part. Most people would be, “woe is me! why is this happening to me? I have done the best I can do I don’t deserve this!” Not him. When I saw him on Saturday, he told me that, “God always has a purpose for me when I come into the hospital.” From my vantage point, the machines and monitors hid that purpose from me. He is 89 years old today. He has lived a full and incredible life dedicated to the care and support of less fortunate people. I love him because he loves people. He never tires of giving a kind word of encouragement to one of his family or to a stranger even in the midst of personal struggle. He accepts people as they come to him without judgment or arrogance. His words of advice do not come with the usual side of spiritual “Know it all” common with most preachers. He dispenses the medicine of correction and subtle admonishment like a country doctor slipping you a candy bar hiding the bitter pill of truth.  You willingly accept the medicine even when you don’t want to hear it. I have known him for 21 years and for all intents and purposes he has been my grandfather too! He has run the race, He has kept the faith. In a world filled with spoiled hopes, tainted dreams, and failed aspirations he beckons us to keep our heads up, stay the course and seek the Lord. There is no greater tribute to someone than a life well lived. Thanks Grandaddy for loving us when we did not meet expectations, potential and goals. Your love for us keeps us afloat when our boat is sinking and the world around us tells us to give up.AH