Page 113 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2026 - Online Magazine

HONORING VETERANS

A Granddaughter Reflects

on What Matters Most by Hannah Agee

ow many stories and legacies do we miss around you? Who in your life has
each day because we don’t take the time to “fruit on their tree” waiting for
Hstop and listen? Every senior citizen carries you to take the time to reach out? Inspiration
generations of life, experience, and wisdom—
waiting for someone to reach out and learn. I often Through my experience, I’ve
picture this as a tree full of colorful, nourishing come to understand that it’s
fruit. Each fruit holds something valuable, but it is not just about documenting
up to us to reach out, pick it, and benefit from it. someone’s accomplishments. It’s
This is something I wish I had done more fully with about learning how to sit with
my “Papa” before it was too late. someone—to listen, to connect,
and to truly understand who they
In January 2026, my Papa moved from Scottsdale, are. Every person carries unique
AZ, to Lubbock to be closer to family as his health perspectives—shaped by lived
began to decline. Because he had lived so far experiences, stories passed down
away, it had always been difficult to build a close, through generations, and hard-
personal relationship with him. When he moved to earned truths that have made them
Lubbock, I was excited for the opportunity to truly who they are today.
get to know him—not just as my grandfather, but as
a veteran Navy pilot, Blue Angel, and a man with a At the end of the day, it is the
lifetime of stories. relationships and connections we
build that matter most—not how
Over time, I began to connect with my Papa busy we are or how difficult it
and learn about his personality and experiences. may feel to start a conversation.
Whether it was his literal sense of humor that made Connecting across generations
us laugh around the dinner table or his adventures doesn’t require perfection. It
learning how to use an iPad, every moment simply requires intentional
mattered. While I did spend time with him, I kept presence.
telling myself I would formally interview him for
this magazine issue—to sit down and intentionally So, I ask you: will you take for granted the life and
learn about his service and life experiences. wisdom right in front of you? Or will you take the
time to reach out, to listen, and to learn before it is
My Papa passed away on April 11, 2026. too late?

While I am comforted knowing he is in a better I promise you, the connection, understanding, and
place, it is painful to realize I will never have the love that come from it are worth it.
chance to sit with him, look through old photos,
or hear firsthand the stories of his service and life. The stories are there, waiting.
That opportunity is gone. The only question is: will you take the time to
listen?
This realization is why I encourage each of you to
reflect on your own lives. What opportunities are
you missing to connect with the older generations

Lubbock Senior Link 113