My grandfather, Pop, passed away on Christmas Eve. Over the last couple years, he had steadily declined. His short-term memory had completely disintegrated. Pop couldn’t remember the last time we had talked, but his intelligence and spirit remained till the end.
I last spoke with him a couple weeks ago. We talked about who he’d be voting for — Bernie Sanders — and how his favorite stocks were performing. After I asked these questions, I silently cried on the phone. I realized he’d likely not make another election cycle. He was all out of votes after 92 years of life.
Pop and I spent most times talking about politics, economics, and relationships. I shared countless moments across from him in his reading nook. He sat on a donut pillow for hemorrhoids; although, he didn’t have them anymore. His mug sat on a hot plate and was covered with a small plate. He savoured and sipped every ounce of tea or coffee. It was here that learning was done.
He was the single largest impact on my economic and social beliefs. I read Marx after he extolled the virtues of communism. I didn’t necessarily agree with it all, but that wasn’t what was important. In discourse, he gave me the tools to debate politely and disagree adamantly. And he opened my eyes to prejudice, social justice, and financial inequities.
At 17, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps (precursor to the Air Force) and flew some 30+ missions over France and Germany. As a Jew, he received maltreatment from those he served and fought. It wasn’t easy service. He shared experiences talking with broken Yiddish (an old, Germanic language) to German prisoners of war. Pop wanted to learn about them. This was a perfect example of his social respect for others — no matter how “bad” they were.
Later in life, he made a friend who worked for a biopharmaceutical company who recommended Biogen Idec. After contemplating the scientific merits of the company and their products, he made an investment. It paid many times over for the last couple decades. Pop wasn’t a financial genius, but he consistently made smart decisions that put his family and future first. It allowed him to retire to a small apartment complex and enjoy the smell of fresh Santa Monica air.
Years and years of conversations with him cemented an emphasis for economic and social justice in me. As a child of the Great Depression, his perspective was forever changed. In current society, Pop didn’t like that vast amounts of wealth were being siphoned from the majority of people. He disliked that politicians weren’t doing enough to protect the average, everyday American. Taxes were a social good — it prevented a select group from pillaging from others in need.
I silently said goodbye to him in summer 2015, when I visited. But he would live a few more months before passing. Frankly, it’s hard to capture him in a list of “10 financial lessons from my grandfather,” but as one of the biggest influences on my life, I couldn’t help but say a few words to honor him.
Pop, thank you for editing my first journalistic endeavors, hugging me so tightly, brilliant financial lessons, giving the best stock-picking advice, tutoring me on Jewish culture and the Yiddish language, always having Manischewitz matzos, providing a near-endless list of dessert options after dinner, sharing the joy of Bangaleri birds, educating me on Freud and Marx, encouraging my academic endeavors when I struggled to see the light, and being proud of me. I knew you meant it, and I’ll miss your excitement on the phone after I’d say, “Hey Pop! It’s Sam.”
You’ve given me a debt of gratitude that I’ll forever try to pay forward.
As we always said, it’s time to say “chachalakas.” I hate that it’s time, but we must.
So, with tear-filled eyes, chachalakas, Pop.
Your grandson and friend, Sam
Penny @ She Picks Up Pennies says
So sorry for your loss. Grandparents are the very best. It’s so hard to say goodbye, but he’ll live on through you, your work here, and in your day-to-day life. Sounds like he was a wonderful man.
Sharon says
Thank you for sharing a small piece of a wonderful man. Penny is right that he will live on in you and all that you do. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Janie Gentry says
So sorry for your loss. My grandparents have been gone for many years and I still miss them: their love, wisdom and acceptance.
LizzyIngalls says
What a beautiful eulogy. I am so sorry for your loss. I still miss my grandfather after 30+ years.
Johanne says
Your best post yet!
Beth says
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you for sharing him with us through the wisdoms you learned.
Sue says
What a wonderful reflection on your relationship with this warm and generous man. It is a privilege to be able to witness the effect of your grandfather’s influence on your life. His legacy will live on through you forever and I do hope you continue to pay it forward as you mentioned. Sue
smousekc says
What a wonderful eulogy for a life well lived. So sorry for your loss. Sharyl
Marie-Josée says
I’m sorry for your loss and thank you for your post. I am a new grand-mother and will cherish the time with our little Emma. I will endeavor to nurture a loving relationship with her as Pop’s did with you.
Ramona says
I am really sorry for your loss. I lost my grandfather 13 years ago. He raised me (together with my grandma who’s still alive but old and very sick), so his passing away really hurt us all. It’s great we had the chance to get such amazing people into our lives though. While it hurts seeing them go, we have a wealth of experiences and knowledge they passed on to us.
Claudia @ Two Cup House says
Sam, I’m so sorry for your loss. I love my grandpa recently. He taught me so much. Beautiful tribute.
Kalie (@pretendtobepoor) says
My heartfelt condolences. I lost a beloved grandfather before Christmas years ago. What lovely memories, though. Thank you for sharing them with us.
Jessica says
Beautiful eulogy. I’m sorry for your loss.
Greg says
Sorry to hear of your great loss, Sam. Thanks for sharing.