Mack was a loving grandfather and I think that was his primary concern in dealing with his grandchildren. However, whether it was incidental or purposeful I'm not certain, he was also an exemplar and the effectiveness of this exemplariness came mainly from the sincerity with which he lived his life. To this day I make sure to include mustard in my burger condiments because of a vivid memory I have of Mack saying, "Now that's my boy!", in response to my use of the stuff. He meant that he too loved mustard on his burgers. That is a rather mundane instance, but there are two other more profound memories I have of Mack not dealing with just personal culinary preferences.
Once, while playing Gin Rummy with Mack he solicited my opinion about a pressing issue at the hospital. Something about there were people crossing over from Oklahoma to use the hospital who were financially unable to pay their bills and this was causing some concern within the hospital. Mack wanted to know what I thought about this, what I would do. I remember giving some innocuous and acenine answer because I felt one had to be given, but I also remember thinking the same thought I do now, namely I'm just a young boy of 12 or so and what could I possibly have to contribute to such a situation? I think now though that that's exactly the lesson that Mack was trying to convey: everybody's input is valuable, there's something to learn from everyone, and he wasn't above soliciting the opinion of someone less knowledgeable and experienced than he. Those have been principles I've tried to embrace in my dealings with others.
It was also well known that Mack graced the table with a blessing before each meal:
"Dear Father, bless this food and us to Thy service.
Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen."
Without fail it was said and in its simplicity and succinctness it was beautiful. Mack deviated from this norm once though. It was after I'd started practicing Islam as a religion and I must have been in it for some small amount of time because I imagine Mack saw it as something I was serious about. At dinner that night around the table, he asked me to grant the grace. I remember being caught off guard and I remember feeling honored. It was a gesture from Mack extending his acceptance to my new found faith within a Christian household. I remember stumbling through some prayer that I hoped would be as simple and beautiful as the one he recited everyday, but feeling like I failed horribly at it. The impression of acceptance he left has stayed with me ever since though.
And now, I can't wait for my next burger ; )
