The Method Behind my Madness: The story of my graduation hat

It's just around the corner now! As pictured below, I have decorated my hat in all sorts of quotes, sayings, Scriptures and other words/phrases that hold my interest. But I saved a special place for my Grandpa. As some of you may or may not know, my Grandpa passed away at the age of 91. He passed on April 9...ironically, which was my 23rd birthday. In case you're wondering why it says "It will be ok" beside his name, here's why. A few days ago, I called my mom. I asked her about his funeral, which was on the 15th. My aunt, uncle, friends and family from near and far were there; I was not. School obligations kept me away, but I felt it. Anyway, my aunt told my mom this story.

One of the staff members at the facility my Grandpa lived at was going through some hard times with her family. (This staff member told nobody this story but my aunt...just as a disclaimer). But this staff member was tending to my Grandpa one evening and he asked her if she believed in God. She said yes; he proceeded to ask her two more times. After the third time, he got quiet, looked at her and said "it will be ok." And that was all he said. A few days later, this staff member saw my Grandpa again and they chatted for a few minutes. At the end of their conversation, he said to her "don't interfere." Apparently, this staff member's son was trying to get re-connected with an old friend/girlfriend..I'm not sure which one. But she tried to get involved and stop him from getting back in touch with this person. "I should have listened to him," this staff member told my aunt, "I should have listened to what your dad was telling me." For all I know, this staff member could be making this up, but I believe this story, because I believe in God too.

I got chills when my Mom told me this story. We are God's messengers, but the reason I got chills is because this is exactly how I remember my Grandpa. A true, honest and humble servant of God. Even until his death, he was still changing lives for the glory of his Creator. And I truly believe that. So as a result, I've dedicated a portion of my graduation regalia to him; he was one of the first people who told me about God's purpose for my life. Because even though he's not here in person anymore, I know he's rejoicing in Heaven with Almighty God. Life sometimes throws you curve balls; trust me. I wrote the book about curve balls. But if you listen to those around you, remember; they're in your life for a reason. Times are hard, but they'll get easier. It'll be ok.

Here it is!