Clubs of America, The Lion’s Club, and Meals on Wheels, to name just a few. Jack has donated his time and money to many charities. He visits sick people in their homes and in hospitals. He also drives other senior citizens to their medical appointments, or to the market, and to do errands.”
“Grandpa Jack has collected tons of used furniture, bicycles, clothes and toys for charity, and has done it all anonymously.”
“My Great, great grandmother Alice died twenty years ago, at the age of eighty-eight, after sixty five years of marriage.” It took Grandpa Jack over a year to get over her death. He still misses her a lot, but he has gone on with his life, because he still has a lot to give to the world.”
“Today is Grandpa Jack’s 109th birthday. I once asked him if he was afraid of dying. I will never forget his answer; ‘I’ve tried to make every moment of my life count’ he said, ‘if I were to die tomorrow, I would have no regrets, and if the Lord lets me live for another five years, I will continue to help as many people as I can. I know that Alice is with the Lord in Heaven and I know she is happy. I also know that I will see her again someday.’”
Jerry paused, wiping his eyes before continuing. “I love all of my family, and each of them is a hero in their own hero, but, my Grandpa Jack represents the best that mankind has to offer. He is the person who encouraged and inspired me to follow my own dream to someday become a teacher. He is my hero, because he is the man that I hope to be someday.”
As Jerry put down his essay, everyone in the room stood up and started applauding him. Jerry got down off the stage, and gave Grandpa Jack a big hug and said, “I love you, Grandpa.”
While the judges were in another room conferring, Jerry’s English teacher, Mr. Riddle walked up to Jerry and said; “In my thirty years of teaching, I have never heard a more beautiful essay than the one that you just read. I am very proud of you.”
As Jack walked towards them, Mr. Riddle stuck out his hand towards Jack and said; “You probably don’t remember me, Mr. Taylor, but I became an English teacher because of your fine example.”
Of course, I remember you Kevin,” said Jack. “You were one of my favorite students.”
Jerry had often heard Mr. Riddle talk about the great Mr. Taylor, who had inspired him to become a teacher, but Jerry never realized that it was the same Mr. Taylor as his Grandpa Jack Taylor.
The rest of Jerry’s family hugged and congratulated him. They were all very proud of him.
The room got very quiet, as the panel of judges re-entered the room. One of the judges stood at the podium and addressed the students as well as the audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, this year, the decision was very difficult, but we have come to a unanimous decision. This year, first prize and a ten thousand dollar scholarship go to Jerry Baker. Here, to present the prize, is the President of the United States.”
The entire room went wild with applause, as Jerry received his award and the check from the president. Jerry was very nervous as he shook hands with him. He almost fainted (Jerry, not the president).
Later, the president was shaking hands with all of Jerry’s family, when Jack said; “It’s a great honor to meet you, Mr. President.”
The president just shook his head and said, “No, Sir. The honor is definitely mine.”
Jack Taylor lived for another two years. He was present, as Jerry received his high school diploma. Jerry could not have felt prouder, as he was when Grandpa Jack shook his hand and congratulated him.
Jack died peacefully in his sleep at the ripe old age of one hundred and eleven years old. The entire town turned out for his funeral, as he was laid to rest beside his wife Alice. As his body was lowered into the ground, Jerry said, “I hope that I someday become at least half the man you were, Grandpa Jack.” A tear rolled down Jerry’s cheek as he dropped a red rose on top of the casket.
The End
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