No regrets
My grandfather, Earl, adopted me when I was a baby and raised me as his own. We often vacationed to Carolina Beach. Usually it was just our household, but one time, when he was 63 and I was 13, my aunt and her family met us there. It was funny to everyone that she had brought him a Speedo bathing suit. You know: the tight little muscle man swimming underwear. We were all laughing. No one thought he’d actually wear it.
That man smiled and gladly took it to the bathroom. He came out wearing it with nothing else but his orthopedic shoes. My grandmother said, “Don’t go out like that! Have some dignity.”
He didn’t say anything, but left to walk on the beach. I followed. When we were alone, he said, “You know what? I have dignity because I know what I have done in my life. I may not be proud of every aspect, but I don’t regret anything. Never forget who you are. Learn, but never regret. And always have fun.”
He looked at me, smirking, and walked proudly along the beach while I gladly walked with him.
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