My grandmother has many qualities that I haven’t witnessed in the same ways in other people and her embodiment of these traits is unique to me for many reasons. The characteristics that my grandmother possesses are that she is hardworking, humble, and supportive. She has the ability to be all three and still remain the person she is today.
My grandmother is hardworking because she’d wake up around five a.m and prepare breakfast and lunch for my mom and aunt when they were young. She’d immediately start walking to her job. She worked as a maid in a hotel, where the pay was meager but it was something she admired working on. She ironed, washed, folded clothes, and never complained. My grandmother placed both my mom and her sister in private schools and still managed to pay with the small amount of money she earned.
Humility is my favorite of the qualities my grandmother was blessed with. She would go out of her way to make sure that someone had what they needed. One school day, my grandmother cooked a small lunch for herself and then started heading towards her job. While on break, she noticed that one of the employees, a twenty-something lady, hadn’t stopped working ever since she started. She looked tired and was drained with little energy. My grandmother kindly asked her to stop working for a little bit to rest and handed her her lunch then continued working. It wasn’t much to feed them both but my grandmother would say, “Putting others first is a gift given by God’s grace”. My grandmother had a keen understanding that she wasn’t the most important person in the world and that helping those in need was something she’d give fully with an open heart, rather than complaining or being irritable about her misfortunes in life.
Being supportive was something she was the best at. She was very supportive when my aunt told her that she wanted to be an administrative assistant back home. She never argued with my aunt or told her that there were better jobs out there, but instead she encouraged her to follow her dreams, enjoy life, and that money doesn’t bring the ultimate happiness. She was extremely supportive when I told her that I’d want to become a nurse and that I look forwards to helping my family and other patients. Becoming a nurse, I know that I’ll be able to help and support her as well. After I stated that, she simply told me, “If that’s what you want, and then go for it.”
These special characteristics of my grandmother are things that have had a significant impact on me. Her humility, hardworking nature and dedication, and her support are things that have helped me become honest and respectful. I learned a lot from her and I continue to do so every day. With these qualities, she taught me not only share my home with others but my heart and that hospitality will take me far. She practically influenced the entire family and I am proud to call her my perfect grandmother.
