Hiking with my 91 year old Canadian grandpa.

When I was living in Italy, I loved the fact that old people just didn't seem to age. The pasta seemed to just make people more youthful, the gelato didn't ever make them fat, and old people didn't go to nursing homes, they went to the streets. They sat in groups and played cards, people watched, and whispered about beautiful women as they walked by. I always looked at them and wondered how they were so lively and jubilant?!

I also look back and wonder how they did it and realize that for Italians, family is by far their number one priority!!! This is an aspect of Italian culture that I came to respect and admonish. I saw how their commitment to be with their family was also connected to their long lifespan! Whether or not there has been some study done on this O have no idea, but I am SURE that there is a correspondence between these two things. Life is longer and more fulfilling when you fill it with the things that matter most. My grandpa Miller has truly done this, and he is incredible!!!

I have been reminded this week, that life is mean to be LIVED! My Canadian grandather is much like the Italians! He has not for one second, stopped living his life. He lost his wife a little over a year ago after over 60 years of marriage. Even though he lost his best friend, he has continued to have fun, and fill his life with as much purpose as he can. My grandpa is 91 years old, and he doesn't act a day over 20!!! Mentally, physically, spiritually, he is an example to me of how I hope to age. Every day, he wakes up and rides his bike around the neighborhood, then he goes out to his greenhouse and takes care of his flowers. He might spend a few hours after that out in his flower garden, or speeding around the town on his electric scooter.

Yesterday we all wanted to go for a hike up to Redrock and Blackiston Falls in Waterton Glacier International Park. You better believe that grandpa wasn't going to let his age stop him from  having a good time! He was THE trail blazer! He borrowed my grandma's old walker, and led the way on the 1 mile hike! He was amazing the way he just got out there and kept us all laughing! He is still so witty and is always cracking jokes--Why not just take chances and go hiking at 91? He is a strong man that has a strong desire to be with his family all that he can. He and my parents both have taught me the importance of family, and what it means to have our priorities in line!

This is my favorite video I've taken so far on this trip. This was my grandpa on a FLAT part of the trail. We took breaks every few minutes, but seriously I was amazed at this!!! Watch when he just takes off running!!! hahaha

Here is Uncle Mike and my Dad helping Grandpa 

The views were spectacular at the top! It's always moments like these where I absolutely cannot deny the existence of God! This world is too beautiful!!!

Mamma