Vassili just called me to tell me that you died. You were so sick for such a long time that I hope you finally found peace.
I hope you know that I am very proud to bear your name. But I have much more then just your name...do you remember all the times you where joking that I got all my good qualities from you? You were right.
But not only the good ones...
You came to Germany from Greece with nothing but a dream. You learned the language, how to read and write, worked in factories, saved money to be able to start your own greengrocer's shop...and then finally your own restaurant. You worked very hard - and I respect you for that.
But growing up, I realized that you weren´t a saint. You were never a hero, not a good husband, not always a good father, not perfect at all.
But you were a man of great charisma. A man of the public...adventurer...knowledge seeker...story teller...dancer...leader and a man full of passion and great pride!
Yeah, you had some heart - I´ll give you that. But you broke some hearts too. And you never wanted to face that fact. Always in denial with your faults...
I want you to know how much I learned from you. I learned what I want to do with my life and what not. I learned about my strengths and my weaknesses. I learned to face the truth about me and change what I don´t like. I learned to live a life with no regrets!
Because your life was full of it. And I don´t wanna live like this. I don´t want a life like this.
I hope you finally found your peace! Without any regrets...without pain...without looking back...
I hope you feel how I really feel about you. I hope you can feel it now.
I love you Papu,
RIP
Steli, what a lovely tribute to your grandfather and also the deep reflection to show the lessons learned from his life.
Posted by: Robyn | May 26, 2007 at 12:18 PM
This reminds me of when my grandad passed.
He was my hero, both with his good and bad side. That's who he was.
Posted by: David McQueen | May 26, 2007 at 01:50 PM
My deepest sympathy, Steli... May he rest in peace! Life and power to the berieved: You and your family! Lots of love, my friend.
Posted by: Lefti | May 26, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Steli, my prayers are with you and your family. Your tribute was moving and courageous. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Rob Jacobs | May 26, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Hey brother,
that´s how papu live his life!!! And it´s ok!
Thank´s for your letter. He is certainly happy for this!!!
Filia!!!!
Posted by: Vassili efti | May 26, 2007 at 09:34 PM
Hello Steli
Sincères condoléances !
Now, with your own projects, you're continuing the Efti'story of courageous pioneers ! Where he is now, i'm sure your grandfather is proud of you !
Sincerely, much power and love to you ! :-)
Posted by: florence meichel | May 27, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Hi Steli, you learned from the best like we all want to do! And your grandfather was a person who count to the best. Much love!
Posted by: Euripidis | May 27, 2007 at 03:34 PM
God's wisdom has already lead you to a perfect way to start your healing, a tribute of truth. Your Grand Dad seems like many of us. The challenge you appear to have accepted is to take his teachings and provide improvement in the areas that may have caused others pain. Thank you for sharing. I still want to post on you.
Posted by: JD | May 27, 2007 at 05:31 PM
my condolences. I know it is just an on-line community but know that I am happy you had the opportunity to be influenced by him and sad you that a wonderful individual has left your life. my prayers. --clau
Posted by: clau | May 28, 2007 at 01:39 AM
Thankx to everyone for your sympathy. You´re wonderful! Much power & love!
Posted by: Steli Efti | May 28, 2007 at 08:44 PM