Wise Words

Wise words. “It’s okay to cry.”

These are the words my grandfather told me one hot summer day in 1997.

I come from a big Italian family on the northeast side of Kansas City, and we all do everything together.

On this day my parents, brother, sister and grandparents were helping me move into my dorm on the MU campus for my first semester away at college. After the last box had been hauled up to my dorm and my new room was settled, it was time to say goodbye to my family. It was such a bittersweet moment of freedom for me, and yet I felt the sadness of not seeing my little sister every day. When we walked to the car, I looked over to my sister, who was a sobbing mess, which instantly made me melt too. My grandfather was right there and looked us both in the eyes holding our hands and said, “It’s okay to cry.” He was holding both of us tight; he told us about how he had cried too when he had to say goodbye to my grandmother many years before when he left for the war. I had so many great memories as an MU Tiger, but this one memory that had nothing to do with school was one my greatest memories from my college days.

My grandfather was a simple man. He loved his wife, his kids and each and every one of his grandkids. He taught me so many wonderful lessons before he passed away. 

This picture is from the day I was baptized as a baby. Look at his smile. He is beaming along with my grandmother and my two oldest cousins. Nearly every single picture I have of him looks the same. He is with family and beaming. He taught me so many wonderful things, but his love of family and mindset of happiness guide me each day. To my grandfather in heaven, I love you, and to all the men in my life, Happy Father’s Day. ■

Written by: Erin Little

Meteorologist Erin Little starts your day off with a smile and the forecast each morning on KCTV5 News This Morning. With over a decade of experience forecasting the weather in Kansas City, she understands it’s not all about the weather, but how it will impact our busy lives. Erin is thrilled to be raising her three young children in her hometown of Lee’s Summit. You can find her Monday through Friday, 4:30 a. m. to 7:00 a.m. on KCTV5 News. Connect with Erin: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @erinkctv5.