Reading Aloud

I feel like I write about him a ton.

But I write about what I love. 

And I love him. 

Yvonne has been gone since Wednesday, which means I've had the selfish pleasure of having Eric all to myself. It's been so hard as some days he thinks that Yvonne left him and doesn't love him. Or when he talks about how frustrated he is that he can't remember important things, or when he asks me why I spend so much time with an old man like himself. 

The truth of the matter? 

Love. 

My years growing up were hard. Not incredibly hard, or harder than others, but they were difficult for me, socially, emotionally, and physically. Every day growing up when I asked Eric how he was he would say, "I'm gunna make it" (still to this day this is his response) I remember many days going to their house for my speech lesson, at 3:30, and staying till 6 or 7 at night. I remember the countless stories, the years of wisdom, love, and endless support. How could I not pay that back. 

Even now, I go selfishly, because Eric makes me feel better. He gives me reasons to fight for what I want. He keeps my moral compass in check, and he uplifts me when my heart is hurting. I believe there was a special reason they were brought into my life. 

Because through the years they've been a light in the darkness, and now for Eric I am trying to do the same. 

Today I was reading to him, we started a book and it was after lunch when I began reading. I looked over after a chapter and he looked asleep. So I stopped reading. Within seconds he woke up in a panic and said, "Shay? Are you still here?" I answered him and he goes, "please don't stop reading" 

So I continued until our time was interrupted and I had to leave. Before I left he made sure I was coming back, and he says, "I love that you read, that you visit, and that you are here."  Tears welled up in my eyes, and I left. 

For those who say they are too busy for their grandparents, parents, or siblings. Make time. 

Because one day, they won't be there, one day you will be filled with regrets for the time not spent with them. 

Start to live your life for who matters, not for what  matters. It's the people and the connections, and the love that gives lightness in the dark times we face. 

Life is always going to be busy. 

But if you have time to go to a movie, browse on Facebook or Pinterest, then you have time for other people. 

You never know the effect you will have. 

Try today, to make a little more time, for the ones who mean a little bit more.