Dear Friends,
What is forever?
My definition for that is the same as my definition of love: something that can’t be explained.
That’s not to suggest that love and forever are the same thing. Then again…
My grandmother and grandfather met and married in college. Their lives were not easy, but their relationship was inspirational.
Some considered their marriage impetuous. But witnessing their commitment to survive together, to create a life together no matter what, no one questioned the validity of their love.
They moved often in the early years, going to where they could find work. They lived as sharecropper farmers and lived in metropolitan cities – it didn’t matter. They were together - struggling for each other, sacrificing for each other, and supporting each other. Not even their differences divided them.
My grandmother was always dedicated to the church. You could politely say that my grandfather’s beliefs were not quite so devout. Yet every Sunday, you’d find him in church. Even when they were traveling – they’d find a church along the ride. Those services were probably among my grandfather’s favorites, being a little more evangelically and thus theatrical in nature.
My grandfather’s son – my uncle – sided more with the secular beliefs of the paternal side of the family. He asked his father why they had to go to church. My grandfather explained that you do the things that are important to those that you love.
Regrettably my grandfather died young. In fact, he died long before I was born. A blood vessel burst in his brain.
Although I never met him on this earth, I have come to know my grandfather in a celestial way. I have talked to him in prayer and visited on the grass by his grave. It was only after I entered a career in the entertainment world that I learned he was the literature and English teacher who founded the drama and theater program at famed New Trier High School. I’d like to think he’d be proud of me for the strides I’ve made as an actor and writer.
My grandmother married two more times in her life. Both men were good people. But, she was always upfront with them that her one true love was my grandfather and that when she died she’d be buried by his side for all eternity.
When my grandmother passed away earlier this year, it was on the same exact day my grandfather had passed some 40 years before. The same day.
Just as she always said, she was laid to rest side by side next to my grandfather. On their gravestone is a simple dedication:
As always, you are my family. I am your fan.
Peace Love Trust
rikki lee travolta
Review other RLT commentary
It's All Relative
Stand Against Racism
Writing About Life
Crazy Pants Travolta
Gregory Hines
Everwood
Book Excerpt: Bus Fare
Learning to Stand
A Time of War
Country Charm
Talking Frankly About Family (& Christmas)
My Fractured Life
Forever Love
Good and Evil
Man Behind the Wheel
The Little Engine that Could: A Memorial
Perceptions of Perfection
Personal Decisions
Responsibility in Communication
You Done Good
Duality of Man
Evolution of a Hero
Reason to Quit - Stop Smoking
Beware of Stalkers
Dare to Dream
Do The Right Thing
Dealing with Abuse
Mother's Day
Right to Choose
Support the Cause
Just Try
Virtue of One
Martin Luther King Jr
Free Form Jazz
Creating the News
Great Expectations
Story of a Life
Acting 101
Why I Cried
Personal Values vs. Monetary Value
Broken Hearts
Dignity over Jealousy
Community Responsibility
Life, Honesty, and Integrity
Drug Withdrawal
Christmas Spirit
Rikki Lee Travolta's debut album!
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