Editor's Note: The following is a letter written by Seth Gilmer to his grandfather, Donald John Salmon, on Salmon's 80th birthday. Salmon is a WWII veteran, having served as a helsman on a tank landing ship in the South Pacific.
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How do you measure the meaning of a man's life?
Is it measured by the amount of money he makes, how big his house is, how nice his car is, or any other material thing he may seek to acquire?
If so, I personally would say that man's life is shallow and meaningless.
In my life I have been blessed beyond belief to have a grandfather who has not lead a shallow or meaningless life.
The words I would use to describe my grandfather are endless, but I would like to share a few that mean the most to me.
People who know him like I do would attest to this, I am sure.
Don Salmon is a man of honor, integrity, valor and patriotism. He lives a life full of love and caring for his family and friends.
If it is at all within his means, he will do anything for his family and friends.
My grandfather is a hard worker, a faithful husband and a true provider for his family. In another word, he is dependable.
He proudly served this great country we live in and loves this country even with all the problems with Medicare.
With that said, what my grandfather stands for the most and what makes him so important to me and the rest if his family is that Grandpa is a God-fearing, armor-bearer man. This means the most to me because it is what truly makes my grandfather's life have awesome meaning.
When I went with Gram to pick him up today, he wasn't watching sports center or the news, he wasn't reading a novel or the newspaper; he was reading the word of God - and that is something that will stay in my mind when I remember this day.
To close, the word that describes my grandpa the most is loyalty. He has lived a legacy and has passed down to his children and grandchildren morals and values that I hope we all will never forget. My grandpa is not perfect and neither is anyone in his family, but I don't believe that is important because I believe the only person that ever was, was Jesus.
What is important are all the things I have previously stated. As the oldest living grandchild, I want to thank him for all he has done for us and let him know how important his life is. Men like my grandfather are rare jewels and I will treasure his legacy as long as I live.
Grandpa, don't ever forget how important you are. I love you with all my heart.
