Relentlessly helpful? LinkedIn? nerd, trainer & speaker. Creator of Espresso+ community & UpLift Live conference. Not a douche canoe ??
???? The only male role model I ever had This is my grandfather, Hovanes Ispirian. When he was six, he had to flee Armenia to avoid being a victim of the genocide of 1915. He witnessed pregnant women having swords put through their bellies, and other things no one should have to endure. He had to dress as a girl to avoid being killed like many of the other males around. It meant he could escape to the south and start a new life in Iraq. He became a tailor, met his sweetheart and was the pillar of his community. I was named after him. John is the English equivalent of Hovanes. When my mum was struggling to cope with life in the UK and I was just 2, he and my grandmother took care of me for several months. He worked until bowel cancer took him. I was 8. He would do anything for anyone. There was no more helpful person that I know of. As I grew up without a father, he was the only male role model I ever had. #InternationalMensDay PS. My surname starts with an E because of a typing error in my mum's immigration documents. It really ought to be Ispirian.
Really moved by this John, must have been tough with your mum not coping and then losing your grandfather. Lovely that you could honour him like this. I bet he would be so proud of the man you have become.
Great piece of 20th century history spiced with unique family struggles. Thank you for sharing John Espirian
Wow, what a story! Thank you for sharing, John, and I’m glad you had a positive role model to love, though I am so sorry he was taken from you so unbearably soon.
What an incredible story, John. ? Now we know where you got your generosity of spirit from! About your surname, mine was changed, too. Should be Poerio!
Hi John, I thoroughly enjoyed your share. Your writing always takes me on a journey. I appreciate you sharing such a personal story ... it's inspiring and I see how you are such a generous and compassionate person that I've had the chance to learn more about. Just wanted to send you my best and hoping you're doing well.
Your grandfather was obviously a great role model John! A great story to share!
Wow! ? You only needed the one male role model, John Espirian! Grandfathers are so special ... I lucked out with mine too. ?? That generation endured such hardship and cruelty, and yet they met it all with a dignity and compassion that never ceases to amaze me.
This is such a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing the story of your grandfather, what he meant and even why your name beings with 'E'.
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1 年Dear John, thank you for sharing this heartbreaking story about your grandfather. It’s unbelievable to see how people who endure such cruelty can still pass on a positive example and energy to their next generations - to us! Really a great story…