Telephones and Grandfathers

 Telephones and Grandfathers

How important do you think a Grandfather or Grandmother's role is in today's society?

When I was a kid here in Miami, I admired my grandfather " Gutierrez" more than anyone else in the world. We shared the same name, and because of that, I always felt a special connection to him. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, I hung on to every one of them, as if they held the secret to understanding life. I looked to him for wisdom, for guidance, and for a sense of direction. His words were like treasures, and I was a young explorer eager to find them.

I remember walking with him for hours, wandering the streets of Miami around Flagler and 8th Street. eating "Pastelitos" at San Bernardo Bakery or " Los Pinos Nuevos" going to the movies at the Tower theatre. Those walks were never rushed; there was no place more important than being there, in the moment, together. My grandfather had a way of making everything feel significant. Even going to " Food Fair" to buy milk, He knew about everything, from the weather to the politics of the time, and he always had something to teach me. We would watch " El Rincon Criollo " together and occasionally he would break into song. We’d stop in front of a shop, " La Tijera" " Varadero" " El Globo"or sit on a bench, and watch people as they went about their lives. He would point out the workers hustling in the heat, laboring under the sun, and he’d remind me of the importance of education. " El Papel" ( The Paper) referring to the certificate given for a college degree "You need to get an education," he'd say softly, "so you don't have to work under the sun like that."

But as much as he stressed the value of education, he also instilled in me a deep respect for those who worked hard with their hands. There was no sense of superiority in his tone; he never belittled those who worked physical labor jobs. He knew that every person had their own role in society and that hard work was something to be respected, no matter the form it took.

My grandfather was a gentle soul. He wore a beret, often called himself a "Gallego," a term that was part of his identity, a nod to his Spanish heritage. He was soft-spoken, never raising his voice in anger, and I always thought he had a quiet strength about him. I remember thinking my grandmother was a little strong with him at times, but it was clear that he loved her with all his heart. Their relationship was something I admired deeply, though it took me years to fully understand.

In many ways, I wanted to be just like my grandfather. I tried to mirror his calm demeanor and soft-spoken wisdom. I hoped that one day, people would look to me the way I looked to him. And in some ways, I think I am like him. I still carry with me the lessons he taught me, the importance of respect, and the value of wisdom over flash.

But times have changed, and so much has shifted since those days I spent walking the streets with my grandfather. We live in an age where communication has evolved dramatically. Cell phones, social media, and instant access to everything have altered the way we connect with each other. Kids today have short attention spans, distracted by the constant ping of notifications and the lure of screens. The kind of connection I had with my grandfather—those long walks and thoughtful conversations—seems harder to come by now.

We can no longer "grandfather" the way we used to. Time together isn’t as easily given, and the distractions of modern life often make it harder for us to truly listen and connect. But I believe it’s on us—on all of us—to do better. We must find ways to make time for the people who matter most, to slow down and listen like my grandfather did. Our kids need the wisdom, the patience, and the quiet strength of those who came before them. And in return, we need to give them the gift of time and attention. I know have to do better with my grandkids.

My grandfather didn’t need a cell phone to keep me engaged or connected. He simply needed his wisdom, his presence, and his love. And if we’re lucky enough to have grandfathers—or mentors like him—it's up to us to carry that tradition forward, ensuring that the wisdom of generations past is not lost in the noise of modern life.

How important do you think is a Grandfather or Grandmother's role in today's society?

By the way, the man in the picture IS my Grandfather " Alejo" or " Gutierrez" as he was known.