I never got to spend all of the time I really wanted with my grandfather. Well for my dad’s dad, he died before I was born. In fact, he died when my dad was just a teenager – which would have been pretty rough for a young man with a large family (he had eight other brothers and sisters).

I have a lot of respect for my father, and both of my grandfathers – even though I never met one of them. But speaking of my mum’s father – he was a total G. I had fond memories of him as a child where he’d take me everywhere with him – to the shops, to go out to play, or on some random errands.

I was born in Bombay, and I grew up there and left for Melbourne when I was seven. However, I still remember things really vividly. I remember we’d take trips back to India every few years, and we’d always stay at my mum’s parents house. While my parents and brothers had the main bedroom to sleep in, I’d often share the lounge with my grandfather.

He had this thing called an ‘otlah’ [pronounced oat – lah], I think it’s something in Konkani that means a bed or a fold out sofa bed. Anyway, he’d spend his days sitting on this, it would be his ‘throne’. My grandmother would spend most of the day either in the kitchen, or bedroom and then she’d come to the living room either to speak to my grandma, or just sit down and watch one of her TV shows (I remember that she’d love some of those Hindi dramas like Ku Ki Saas Bi Kabhi Bathoothi – can’t believe I remember this one haha).

Anyway, back to my grandfather and how much of a G he was. There’d be many a day where he’d just sit and contemplate. He had this book that he took every where with him, where he’d write down his thoughts, and accounts. He was great at numbers, and I remember my mum telling us stories about how he went to University when he was in his 50s to study law. He was a really smart man and did a lot of good in the community. He used to tutor kids for free mum used to say, and help people whenever they need help with things like resumes or cover letters, or any other life advice.

I think that’s where I get my drive and desire to help people. It’s in my DNA. So he’d carry this book around with him wherever he went. I also remember as a kid on many of our trips back home, we’d sit up all night and talk, and he’d just tell me stories about when he was a kid and wisdom that he’d pass down to me. Sometimes it’s hard to even remember the exact stories, but just the way he used to speak and the things he said – it had a profound impact on me.

I remember one night we’d be up talking and he’d tell me about how he deals with personal and romantic relationships. Being a young man, he’d give me heaps of tips about how to deal with my romantic relationships – he was helping me out before I even knew I needed help!

And then was the way he just commanded respect everywhere he went. People would say, oh John’s here let’s go and talk to him or see what he’s got to say. He knew how to command a room and was often asked to raise the toast at weddings and functions. He was all round a really capable man, and had the chops to show for it.

I remember him impart countless wisdom to me, about life, relationships and money. While he didn’t have as much as he’d have liked, he had plenty, and was wealthy beyond measure in the family he had grown – he had five kids (one unfortunately died when she was young). There’s not a day that goes by that I dont think about him, and on the impact he’s had on me, and how it’s shaped and moulded me into the man I am today. I’m thankful for the time that I got to spend with him, and all the conversations we had.

Till we meet again Papa

– Craig