An Ode to My Grandpa

Growing up, my family always encouraged my brother and me to aspire to be actors, writers, singers, artists, and poets. Our family never told us we had to pursue something “practical.” Instead, our creativity was uplifted and admired. Our family looked at every picture we drew, poem we wrote, or short film we produced with a sparkle in their eyes.

When I decided to pursue art school, my family never raised an eyebrow or confessed doubts. They told me the world needs more artists and that art is an essential aspect of life. During my time in art school, they constantly supported my work, told me about artists I could shadow, and showed me uplifting and relevant articles about the importance of the arts.

While this value exists in many of my family members’ hearts and souls, I believe my late Grandpa Nystrom instilled and inspired this the most.

My brother, Peter, recently wrote a goodbye piece to him where he reminisced about enjoying Roald Dahl books with our Grandpa. He referred to our Grandpa as his “Grandpa Joe” from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, someone willing to go on an adventure and support big dreams and creativity. He reflected that “Grandpa valued creativity, dreaming big, and having a wild imagination. I really think Grandpa was integral in showing me what it means to think creatively.”

After reading his reflection, I began reflecting on this myself and how my Grandpa influenced me. He was a creative in many forms, a poet, lyricist, and actor, but his ability and passion for writing always stood out to me the most. My Grandpa passed this love of the written word down to me by always nurturing my eagerness to write. He would always enthusiastically read my passion projects or school projects, showing me what I wrote mattered. I never once believed it was unrealistic to pursue writing or a creative endeavor, and I owe that to my Grandpa.

My Grandpa taught me that art is important, whether it be writing, photography, or acting. He taught me to dream big and to look at the world with awe. To him, the world was big and full of endless opportunities and love. His mind was always wide open and eager to learn and grow, which is probably why he never failed to be woke and accepting. He showed me how one can utilize art to connect with and uplift people. He showed me it is possible to be unapologetically yourself and follow your heart. My Grandpa was deeply loving, intellectual, passionate, and brave. I owe my vast imagination and love for learning, traveling, and writing to him.

While I remember him for his talents, achievements, uniqueness, and creativity, I will remember the simple, silly, and sweet memories with my Grandpa the most. I will remember making puzzles together, how fast he used to walk, the endless bowls of ice cream he would eat, and the smell of his buttery blueberry pancakes I would wake up to.

My motivation and confidence to create Peggy’s Postings derives from his support and love and the characteristics he instilled in me. I know he would’ve loved my blog and read every post with devotion. It only felt right to write “An Ode to Grandpa” and acknowledge where my love for writing came from.

I hope to continue his legacy of sharing love, peace, and knowledge through the written word. From now on, every time I write, which is the thing we both love, I’ll make sure to think of him and keep my mind as open as his always was.

To conclude, here is prayer he wrote:

This is the Day the Lord Has Made

O Gracious God,

Each day a cardinal perches in the highest branch

of the oak tree outside our front door

and sings his song of pure delight.

It is such a clear and certain sound.

There is no doubt that keeps his song

from being full-throated and strong.

No cloud of fear

No trouble that he knows or can imagine

that mutes its joyousness

No vague thought that depresses him

and keeps him from singing

as faithfully and as well as before.