Hidden in Plain View

This is a piece that I made for my mother and grandmother, of my grandfather, who passed away in August of 2022. 

Grandma often wonders aloud, “How did such a quiet, unassuming man make such an enormous impact?” 

And Grandpa was quiet. But wow - when he spoke? - everyone stopped and listened. He was filled with knowledge, facts, history, understanding, wit, compassion and patience. Everything that he did was slow, purposeful, methodical, generous, detailed and graceful. Animals and children seemed to be magnetically attracted to him. Philosophical people were intrigued by him, while most others were either confused or they simply chose to ignore him. He was neither egotistical nor self-conscious. He simply was. He had a quiet confidence that somehow spoke volumes. He was loved by everyone who was blessed enough to know him. And why am I writing this? 

When I think of my grandfather, it occurs to me that so mu

ch in life is the exact opposite of what it seems. The news that purports to inform us, makes us fearful. The 9-5 that promises security, enslaves us. The religion that preaches love, judges. The brands that sell us high esteem make fools of us by getting us to spend enormous money to advertise for them by covering ourselves in their logos. Pretentious wine culture turns us into toxic idiots. The self help industry tells us that we are not good enough they way that we are. Social media that could connect us, makes us competitive and isolated. 

I don’t claim to understand what is true; though, I do think that we should investigate the beliefs and behaviours that keep us afraid, staunchly opinionated, poor, sick, depressed, inclined to compare ourselves, and ruthless. 

Thank you Grandpa, not for saying or doing anything, but for teaching me everything with your being.