Live & Leave a Legacy: My Role Model, My Granddad
In a world of instant messages, fleeting social media posts, and short-lived trends, the value of a handwritten letter and the quiet strength of a life well-lived stand out more than ever. We’re constantly looking for the next big thing—yet, the greatest influence often comes from small, consistent acts of love, wisdom, and character. This is a story of how a single letter—written in 1983—continues to speak across generations, offering a powerful reminder of what it means to live and leave a godly legacy.
It was my 15th birthday and the year was 1983. I received a letter from my grandfather which I have treasured till date.
It is an old inland letter of those days. This was the last letter that my granddad wrote to me as he died the same year. For so many of my birthdays since then, I have read it just to evaluate my life in the light of his desires for me. When my son celebrated his 15th birthday, I asked him to read it as well. What was so precious about a letter? Is it because he was a famous personality that I had preserved it? No, he was an ordinary man who cared about his eldest grandson walking in the path of righteousness. I had never valued it then, but after a few years of his death, when I stumbled upon this letter, I broke down into tears as I realized his heart beat for me. His profound wisdom—mainly quoting the Scriptures—was remarkable. His desire to see me molded into a person with character and godliness was explicit. He wanted his grandson to be a channel of blessing to many in this world.
Though he wasn’t any famous personality or had travelled much, his letter to his grandson has traveled to many nations, where I have read it to varied audiences as an encouragement to grandparents to leave a godly legacy. I have met a few people who told me how the letter impacted them and how they also have started to work on their relationship with their grandchildren. One grandmother said, “I have written letters which are to be read only after my lifetime.” She is documenting it as a will to be opened after her death. What an impact from a man who decided to pen his desires for his grandson. Little would he have imagined that his inland letter would stay alive and impactful for more than 30 years!
I have realized that the greatest gift we could leave for our children and grandchildren is not just real estate or mansions, but lifestyle and godly character. I would not have taken this letter seriously if his lifestyle did not back it up. He was a tyre retreading businessman, but known for his integrity, care, and concern for people. I grew up in my grandparents’ home till I was six years old and I used to keenly observe him talking to people and interacting with the poor—those memories are imprinted in my mind. I’m sure he would not have realized that two little eyes were observing him while he went about his daily chores. If there’s one desire I truly have today, it is to live a life like my granddad. I feel I fall short of the standards I observed in him, and that continues to be an impetus for my own growth in many areas of life.
What about you?
What legacy are you building today? Have you ever received a letter, a word, or a gesture that left a lifelong mark on your heart?
You don’t have to wait to become a grandparent to start influencing future generations.
Start now—live well, and leave a legacy that lasts.
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