Pausing for Love: Lessons from My Grandfather's Passing
Renata Castello
Program Management @ AT&T, Business Initiative Lead | Empowering Teams, Delivering Customer Value, Transforming Business
I want to share something deeply personal and heartfelt with you all today. Last week, I lost my grandfather, a man of southwest Italian descent from the "toe" of the country's boot-shaped peninsula, Calabria.
I was his first grandchild, born on his birthday, and I remember him saying that I was his birthday gift. Mr. Castello was funny and good-natured, living a simple 92-year life without luxury. He had what he needed to live with dignity: a humble house surrounded by plants and a basic car. He preferred something other than fancy food and cooked himself rice and beans daily. He remained active and independent until the end.
As I navigate through this grief, three important themes come to the forefront of my mind: valuing the ones we love before they die, recognizing that life needs pauses and the profound impact of loss. ????
My grandfather understood the value of a pause. Every day after lunch, he'd go outside to watch the street and then take a quick nap. Although he had a smartphone and knew how to use social media, he preferred to stop and watch the street's live movement.
His passing is a stark reminder of how fleeting life is and how often we take our loved ones for granted. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle, constantly chasing deadlines and striving for the next big achievement, and we need to remember to appreciate the people who matter most. Now, more than ever, I realize the importance of expressing love and gratitude while we still can. ????
In the days following his death, I've found myself pausing more—pausing to reflect on our shared memories, pausing to grieve, and pausing to appreciate the people still in my life. These pauses have been healing and have allowed me to reconnect with what truly matters.
So, here's what I've learned and hope to share with you all: Don't wait for a loss to remind you of the importance of your loved ones. Take those moments now to tell them how much they mean to you. Send that text, make that call, give that hug. And amidst your busy lives, remember to take pauses. These breaks aren't just for rest but for reflection, connection, and rejuvenation.
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Life is too short and precious to be lived on autopilot. Let's make it a habit to value the ones we love and embrace the pauses that give life its true meaning.
Thank you, Grandpa, for teaching me these invaluable lessons. Your legacy lives on in how I live and love those around me. ????
About the Author
Renata Castello is an IT professional, mother of two boys and four dogs, and passionate about social behavior, psychology, and neuroscience.
Connect with Renata Castello on LinkedIn for more insights on balancing a healthy lifestyle with career growth.
Program Management @ AT&T, Business Initiative Lead | Empowering Teams, Delivering Customer Value, Transforming Business
2 个月Update 9/17/2024: While sorting through Grandpa’s house after his passing and finding new homes for his belongings, I inherited the pot he used to cook beans. ?? ??
HR Regional Director at AT&T
3 个月Obrigada Re pela bela e necessaria reflex?o! Reconhecer e valorizar as pessoas que realmente s?o importantes nas nossas vidas é vital, e a medida que fazemos isto, automaticamente ensinamos isto aos nossos filhos, como um valor. Quanto as pausas ... sabedoria dos nossos ancestrais que a alta oferta de midias sociais amea?am nos roubar. Otima dica, para ficarmos atentos e afastar os olhos das telas e perceber o presente precioso que é a vida à nossa frente ?? ?? ??
A very awesome tribute Renata. Thank you for sharing his traits and his insights that helped form you into the person you are. I would have enjoyed a conversation with him for sure ??
IT Project Manager | Consultant for Cloud and On-premises Infrastructure
3 个月We are sorry about it. And you are right to raise the condition enphasizing how important it is to take care and respect our elders.
IT Specialist for Networks / Cisco Network Academy Instructor / VMware IT Academy Instructor / Helicopter Pilot and Flight Instructor.
3 个月Rê, é realmente incrível como algumas pessoas em nossas vidas continuam nos ensinando mesmo após sua partida.... Concordo totalmente com cada palavra sua e gostaria de agradecer por compartilhar conosco essa mensagem t?o valiosa que, por muitas vezes, é esquecida por nós na correria do dia a dia. Meus sinceros sentimentos por sua perda e muito obrigado a você e seu av? por nos lembrar o real valor da vida e o motivo de ainda estarmos aqui. ??