My Grandad

Sometimes I get so scared and freaked out about not being able to afford to get my hair done, to go out with my friends, what is the right thing to say, the right people to hang out with, what to wear to which event....

Then I think about my grandad... possibly the greatest man alive - his heart is blind to the colour of skin, blind to a person's appearance. His heart speaks all languages, and isn't affected by the disability of judgement ....He lives in a world where helping others comes before helping himself.

His heart is what makes me want to be a better person. He himself is why I try never to judge a person by their job. His influence is why I pretty much talk to anyone that is near, why I buy the homeless man up on Ponsonby road muffins and a coffee, why I donate my clothes to women's refuge instead of selling them, the reason why I voice my opinion when it really matters and why I am who I am.

You see my grandad installed into my brain that it doesn't matter where you come from... what matters more in life is the journey and where you are heading.

He taught me that respecting others is the greatest gift you can give, and that laughter and love is the only medicine your soul needs in order to keep you well.