Encouraging - Grandpa Creel

On April 20, 2010 my last biological grandfather, Russel Creel, passed. He was 90, almost 91. Of his own declaration, he was ready to go. Complications from pneumonia left his already compromised lungs in worse condition. His wife of 64 years passed three years ago and he was tired of fighting. His sons were by his side as he drifted off. I just returned from the funeral. As always, funerals force one to reflect on one’s life and one’s priorities. Here are three quick tidbits – not profound, but merely good reminders.

1. Prioritize family – jobs come and go, but family will always be in your life. Next to your relationship with God, family should come first. Your employer will not hold your hand in the hospital, but family will. Do not take them for granted. Tell those you care about that you love them often.

2. Prioritize people – my grandfather worked many jobs over his lifetime. He never went to college, but impacted countless lives because he cared for others both professionally and civically (leader in the YMCA, Kiwanis Club, local theater and founding member of Knox Pres in Naperville). Despite his age, many people came to offer their respects to the family. It was apparent Grandpa made an indelible impression on those he encountered.

3. Take Pictures – pictures tell stories. Leave a legacy of pictures for the next generation. As a public relations man for most of his life, my grandfather had a knack for telling stories with pictures; he was famous for having some of the most creative Christmas cards each year. In addition, I am so grateful he left behind thousands of pictures with brief narratives on the back of the more memorable ones. I’ve attached one of my favorites with his narrative for you to enjoy.

“Cavalcade” of Hollywood movie stars at Detroit, Michigan for a War Bond rally in early spring of 1942. Photo taken upon arrival by train at Union Station. Photo includes such stars as Cary Grant, Desi Arnez, Charles Boyer, Claudette Colbert, Joan Blondell, Laurel & Hardy, Eleanor Parker, Risa Stevens, and military escort Russ Creel – peeking between the shoulders of Laurel and Hardy and (left blank). Ladies in the front row are unnamed “starlets” between Frank Jones and Joan Blondell. My assignment was to escort Eleanor Parker to and from the station, her hotel and the big War bond rally at the Detroit Fairground Coliseum. When it was over Eleanor shook my hand and kissed me on the cheek. She smelled so nice!