Five Life Lessons I learned from my Irish Grandfather, Phillip Canning.

Be Brave, Stay Strong - Phillip moved from County Donegal to Philadelphia as a young man. Moving to America gave him opportunities that he would not have had in Ireland. For many of us, it would be difficult to imagine packing everything you own and moving across the Atlantic to start a new life. I don’t think that he was headed to America because it was a dream adventure, it was more of an economic reality of the day. That said, he did what was necessary to support his family and his future. 

Work Hard and Love What You Do - For most of his life, Phillip Canning worked as a gardener in Central Park in New York City. I never had the opportunity to see him at work, but every time he came to visit us in Connecticut, he would spend a large part of his day working in our yard. Looking back and seeing how hard he worked, and how comfortable he was with a rake in his hand, I can only imagine it was something he loved. I’ve also come to realize that, living his entire adulthood in an apartment, he enjoyed the opportunity to be outdoors in a suburban yard. Phillip was blessed to be doing what he loved to the very end. He died suddenly while working in his son’s yard in New York. I hope that when my time comes, it will be doing something that I love.

Be Humble - As I remember him, Phillip was a man of few words. He had a quick smile and very gentle nature. When he spoke, he had something important to say. All of his children and grandchildren have this bit of Phillip in them. In fact, I think it is a very dominant trait that we all have in common. It has always served me well in my career and in my life. 

Remember Where You’re From - While Phillip was not one to boast or brag, he took great pride in being Irish . . . I mean, who wouldn’t?! As they say, “If you are lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.” St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderful day to celebrate, but we all grew up to appreciate our heritage every day of the year. I remember him singing to me in Gaelic and swinging me on his knee as a young child. I was told that he never drank alcohol. Having always believed that, I was so happy to find this picture of him with a pint. What I wouldn’t give to have enjoyed just one of these with him.   

Leave a Legacy - I am so honored that my parents gave me “Canning” as my middle name. Growing up I wasn’t crazy about it because everyone else had “normal” names like Michael or Thomas. As an adult I came to understand how special it was and truly treasure it. When the time came, my wife and I handed down this honor to Nicholas Canning, and he recently gave it to my grandson, Jackson Canning. But Phillip’s legacy goes well beyond a name.  I don’t expect that Phillip spent time thinking about the legacy he might leave to his family. That just wasn’t him. Having said that, without lectures, without insights, without a memoir, this man and his loving wife left a family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who love each other deeply. Though distance keeps us separated, to this day I share a common spirit with my cousins that is a treasure that will last a lifetime or hopefully more.