Grandpas are some of the most influential people in most children's lives. They teach you, pick you up from school, treat you to ice cream, and love you like no one else does. The lessons they teach you can stick with you throughout your life. In my case the lessons I learned definitely impact my life.

1. Family is forever

There was no one more important in my grandpa's life then his family. He devoted all of his time either working to ensure that they had everything they needed or spending as much time as possible with them. Family is forever. Never take the time you have with them for granted.

2. Love your country

My grandpa loved his country so much. He was so patriotic and made sure everyone knew it. He served in World War II. He would always support his country by wearing his infantry hat, or by having an American flag car sticker on the back of his car.

3. Keep in touch

My grandpa never failed to keep in touch with those he loved. He would hand deliver the weekly flyers. He would call us up just to talk, and especially to the people further away to make sure everything was going well. He also wrote the nicest and most meaningful birthday and Christmas cards. He always stayed in touch and updated on our lives.

4. Games are always the answer

Whether it was a board game or a game where you have to act things out, my grandpa was always down to play a good game. Also, cards were on another level in our family. Games made everyone come together while laughing and joking around the whole time. It made us put down our phones and spend quality time with the people we love the most.

5. Remember where you came from

My grandpa was a proud Pennsylvanian and used to always talk about growing up there. But he was even more proud to be from a small little town in New Jersey. He got so involved there and knew just about everyone there was to know. He was so proud to say he was from Waldwick.

6. Stand tall and keep your head up

My grandpa was the strongest person I knew. He stood up for what he believed in. He wasn't scared to speak his mind either. Also he was proud of who is was, what he liked, and who was in his life. He taught all of his children and grandchildren to be who they are and to be proud of it. He supported and encouraged all of our differences to ensure that we were all proud individuals.

7. Hard work pays off

My grandpa put such a high value on education and hard work. He always made sure that we were working hard and doing the best we could in school. He also made a great career for himself and worked so hard to make sure he was successful and could provide for his family.

8. Value those close to you

My grandpa never went a day without letting the people he loved how much they meant to him. He spent time with his family and friends. He was present at every soccer game, recital, and ceremony that any of his grandchildren had. He made sure that we all knew how much he loved and cherished us.

9. Keep your zest for life

Smiling, laughing, and enjoying life. My grandpa just loved life. He was involved in everything under the sun. He enjoyed spending time with the ones he loved. He just truly enjoyed life and was so happy. He had such a positive outlook on life and made the world a better place.

Although it has been two years since he passed, I will carry the lessons he taught me throughout my whole life. I was lucky enough to have someone so inspirational and so influential in my life.