Throughout my life and my travelling I've been fortunate and blessed to meet alot of great, talented and just amazing people of all ages and sizes. But they all nothing like the people I met this past weekend. Bob and Darla or rather Grandpa and Grandma as they are famously known, Bob did say he has a face for Hollywood after all, lol.
From the first time I met them they greeted me with this genuine smile that I've never seen before. It was so warm and genuine that I immediately knew that I was meeting greatness. Bob firmly shook my hand and said "well I'm grandpa and do I say Jambo when I greet?". See Bob had been to Tanzania before and remembered that they greeted like that there. We spoke briefly but I had to rush out as I had a game.
I was beyond touched and humbled when these 2 80+ year olds came out in the cold rain to see a few minutes of my game. See I was so moved that I remember getting teary eyed. See Bob didn't even like soccer as he is an American Football coach and former player. But they had opened their hearts to this South African boy and decided that I was a grandson to them. I pray I have a heart like that 1 day.
It was amazing how even at that age they were so interested in learning about South Africa from me. Truly humbling. I tried being as honest as possible and as great of an ambassador as possible for my country. I must've done a good job as they both said they would love to visit in the near future.
I managed to get some time with them asking them a few questions about life, love and success. Take time reading through their answers and see if you won't learn a thing or 2.
Banda: What is it that has kept you guys together for so long? (They have been married for more than 50 years having met when there where 19 and 20)
Answer: well beyond anything it was the fact that we loved each other deeply and we wanted the best for each other as individuals
Banda: what advice do you have for young people trying to live and make a success out their lives?
Answer: read and travel. See reading allows you to travel to places and times without you having to be physically there. Reading takes your mind all over without you spending or incurring costs. And if you get a chance do travel. Meet people, see places. We have been to a number of countries in our life but our favourite must be our trip to Isreal. Isreal makes the Old Testament come alive.
Banda: what would you say success is? And has the answer to this question changed over the years?
Answer: success is being happy with yourself (Darla). Success is being great at what you do ( Bob). And this has obviously changed over the years. At first it was money and all the material possessions 1 could attain. Then we realised that these things r temporary and that more important than this was personal happiness.
See I asked them plenty more questions but I would go on and on if I where to write all of them. Take time to process their answers and just see the beauty and humility in them.
I'm truly blessed to have met such great and amazing people. I saw a piece of God in them. God bless their souls, give them health and many more years.
Bob and Darla, thank you for opening your hearts to this boy. I wish you blessings upon blessings. And Bob you are the original deal, a true OG. And Darla, may the woman I marry be just half of the woman you are. Thank you for blessing my life. And what you said about me and the words I shall never forget. I truly thank you. God bless both of yal.
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