I’d like to come clean about something here. As much as I have talked about Dirk Nowitzki’s basketball leadership, Slash’s guitar playing, and Spider-Man’s superpowers, for most of my life I’ve kept a guarded admiration. Now, though, I think it’s way past time to let this secret out. Give me a second, though, as it’s tough to say.
My grandfather, S. Lua Syckes, passed away this Wednesday night. Yes, his first name was the letter S, and for that and many of his other simply phenomenal life stories, please read my brother’s blog. I don’t wish to retell his history – I think Steve’s done the best job of it that I’ll probably ever hear – so I’ll just briefly jot down my emotions.
For 28 years, I’ve been blessed with all four grandparents, all of my immediate relatives, and all of my friends. As a result, I’ve become a little accustomed towards long life and luck. At times I’ve lived recklessly; I’ve behaved insensitively towards others; and I’ve operated with an aloof air. I’ve pushed people away when I desperately needed them near me. I’ve turned away from those who have needed my help when I was in a position of power because I felt it was beneath me. And I’ve shunned certain responsibilities because I was uncomfortable with displaying appreciation and/or dependency.
And, through it all, I’ve felt a lot of shame. Shame because I know this wasn’t how my grandfather lived. Here was a man who was only able to appreciate his father’s existence for 20 years. Here was a man who’s career towards cultivating his astounding intellect was cut short due to a world gone mad with war. A man who transformed his natural abilities at mathematics and music into teaching – passing his love and knowledge to another generation.
He was superhumanly athletic. The gentleman beat me at tennis when I was in my prime at 16 (and this was after I took MANY summers of lessons)! Watching tennis will forever remind me of hanging out with Pop Pop.
He was a social butterfly – even into his 80’s whenever we went anywhere in his community in Phoneix, we were recognized. The stories of his and my grandmothers parties throughout the years are legendary. When I’m feeling self-conscious about hosting people over I recall the hilarious stories he and my grandmother would talk about around family dinners.
He never let any joke – especially those at his expense – affect him, letting them immediately wash off his back. I was always amazed that, even though my family is full of super witty people (at my best I’m maybe the 5th funniest), he would never let any of their cracks get to him. Being a hyper-defensive person, his reaction is that much more impossible to believe and exponentially respected.
He was a musician! I hate to say it sometimes, but either you’ve got it or you don’t. I like to think that I’ve got it … and part of the reason why is the many hours I spent in the basement with this great music director. We both played trumpet, and I will always remember the times we played together. I tend to believe people when they say that certain traits skip generations as he and Mom Mom were super musical – and here I am still trying to make a go at being a professional musician!
With him being born 19 years after a turn of a century and me being born 19 years before a turn of a century there certainly was a lot of history separating us. His was an era where a country came together, had to place their lives on the line for survival, and prospered together. He was the nicest person you could ever meet, immediately disarming to anyone with a personal agenda, and could steal the show at any moment. He beat me and Dad in cards during our family cruise in 2007 (at the age of 88). He somehow stole the attention away from my dad during my father’s retiring from the Air Force, wearing a replica of his original Air Force uniform and talking about his experiences. He constantly showed me how to be a strong leader without having to be overbearing, attention-hogging or mean.
He was married to quite possibly the most wonderful woman in the world for 63 years. He had three hilarious, successful kids. He was grandfather to seven, adoring grandkids. He was smart, funny in his own individual way, and had music in the blood. He was a fabulous card player, the nicest man I’ve ever met, and a legendary drinker.
He was Lou, Uncle Lou, Dad, and Mr. Syckes.
To me, he was Pop Pop. And now for that secret:
He was my hero.
I am immensely proud to have been involved in the final 29 years of your life and I am forever indebted to your kindness, musicianship, and love. I will never forget you, Pop Pop.
Current Mood: 
Sad
Awesome
!
Excited
Wowed
Rested
4-Day Weekending!
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