Grandpapa Guru

Another fantastic perk of having moved back to the Burbs is that I am now a hop and a skip away from my Grandpa (or as I have always called him, Papa).  Papa literally lives about an 8 minute walk away from my new home.  Having lived here now for officially one month and 8 days, I'm ashamed to admit that I had not yet visited him.  My mom told me he has been asking about me regularly- "How does she like her new home?  Is she all settled in yet?  Is she happy?"  Well, today after having met a friend for brunch and giving mom a quick visit (did I mention that my parents live about an 8 minute walk away as well?) I did what any good granddaughter should do and went to see Papa.  Now in my defense, I have had one heck of a busy Summer thus far- work has been quite hectic, and I am also Maid of Honor to my best blonde buddy K, so an awesome Bachelorette was in the midst of being planned as well.  But now, with work quieting down (for now) and the super duper most amazing fun filled Bachelorette weekend behind us, I found the time to pay Papa a visit.

It was a short stopover as he was going to go watch a tennis match (what a busy body) but in that brief time that we sat on his back porch, I was just so happy to be there with him, in the company of his ever so wise and resounding voice.  What I love so much about Papa (well, one of the many things anyways) is that he is always up to date on what I am up to.  After being welcomed with a big, bold hug, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said "I hear you're embarking in another direction come September?"  Ah yes, my Yoga Teacher Training.  He was so authentically pleased to hear that I have found something that I feel so passionate about with every ounce of my being.  I sat down and told him a little bit about what it is I'll be learning, and what I am most excited to learn.  He sat there quietly as I spoke, with a smile on his face and that old sage regard staring right back at me.  For years, Papa and I have spoken about my future.  Every time we were together, it went back to that.  "How are you liking school?  What do you think you want to do afterwards?  Now that you're done school do you still want to do the same thing?  Now that you have found something, is it what you want to do?"  And every answer to those questions was similar: "I'm not sure."  But now, for the first time in all the 25 years that he has known me, Papa heard me speak with my heart pouring out with excitement, about my YTT.  I could tell by the look on his face that he was thinking "Ah ha, I told you so.  I knew you would find something that made you smile this way."

Papa has always been someone who consistently made it a point to tell me that I am going to accomplish great things.  Now great things didn't necessarily mean making lots of money and becoming famous.  Great things meant doing something that will make me happy, and that I will love with all my heart.  After my grandmother (my Mama to my Papa) passed away almost 6 years ago (miss you, Mama), Papa was passed down a very important torch: the writing of our birthday cards.  I have kept every card I have ever received since my 18th birthday.  As much as I love them all, Papa's cards still remain my most cherished and favorites.  Any time I am feeling down, I go through his cards and read through his words.  He calls me a star, writing that I shine more and more each day.  He writes that Mama is definitely proud, watching over me and witnessing the woman I am becoming.  He writes that I never cease to amaze him, with everything I do.  He writes that I am oozing with the zest of life, and that it is a gift I should never take for granted.  He writes that when I feel the soft, subtle wind blowing through my hair on my birthday, if I listen closely, it's actually Mama whispering Happy Birthday.  Papa is a man of such resounding stature- the type of man that you really listen to when he speaks.  His voice is so deep, it feels like you're listening to an old wise man who has seen it all.  I wish he could cut a record so I could listen to him speak over and over again, sharing stories from the past.  And when he writes in those birthday cards, those inked spots just flow right through your head, all the way down to your heart.  He is such a wonderful man, and I feel so blessed to have him in my life, and now so closeby.  He may move slower, but his heart is as strong as ever.  Sometimes in Yoga class we chant a Guru Mantra.  My FabTeach asks us to envision someone in our lives who has, in one way or another, inspired us.  On one occasion, Papa took the cake.

So with all this being said, I am so happy to finally be able to visit Papa more often.  I look forward to sharing my YTT experiences with him- and I know he will ask me every time I see him, with eager anticipation, how I am enjoying my new passionate experience.  I also look forward to hearing how he is doing, to having him ask me how Vinny is doing, to get my hands on some of those tasty vegetables he grows in his garden (again, busy body!) and simply just sitting there, in his presence, and sharing with him.

Namaste,
Lady Lotus

Papa and Mama.  Love love love.