If my grandfather were here right now the first thing he’d say is “What are all you lazy bums doing here? It’s Wednesday! Get back to work!” Then slap on shoulder and give one of his big open-mouthed laughs. When he did that stare at you. And in that moment you’d become acutely aware most special traits—his eyes. How they twinkled. effortlessly seemed find light. their kind glow immediately warmed room. eyes window soul Joe Finnerty’s windows as pure come. As a lithographer livelihood. They saw pantones colors normal can’t see. Which is fitting because looking into them made feel like knew something didn’t. Like had secret. was always brink wink—like lived life cusp joke. Some call this Irish wit—a brand charisma bred Irishmen for generations. Others it charm—the charm convinced grandmother fall him nearly 69 years ago pub deep woods Stutgard Germany called Papa Shultz’s. Without either sharing common language–I should add. In grandfather’s later years I came know twinkle eye else—the knowing truth some live entire lives without learning. A Opa finally vocalized me last time we together. It March past year. flew Florida celebrate both Opa’s 90th birthday 32nd birthday. We ate cake listened stories about being teenage usher Circle Movie theater downtown. The “ladies loved man uniform” say. went out lunch even 90 still energy perform “going eat” routine. Which any who haven’t pleasure dining with Finnerty involves or following: stopping talk every little kid encounters giving waitress hard best way possible finding biggest grumpiest guy restaurant making crack smile. On final day Florida sat couch looked Indian River—its waters quiet were. couldn’t help but might be going see him. thought “Okay I’m turn Opa tell California few hours ask parting advice.” Before could vocalize turned me unprompted said “Du has nix so gut gi hob viest.” translates to “You never better than how have now.” everything clicked. handed secret behind eye—a roadmap living fulfilling his: Be present. grateful. Have faith. What understood many us don’t if you’re grateful present moment faith it's best—all part your soul’s journey learn grow life then gravy. This why used perfect summer go “Joe what do think poor people today?” You see possibly when already all. Finnerty this. His collection moments overjoyed of. That’s where comes in. twinkled happy witnessing all—the joy love loss hope fear laughter beauty. He all—in its perfectly imperfect glory. strung these well lived. Realizing those saw—the lived—who places witnessed throughout life. To today. provider. An ends meet-maker. extra shift taker. union man. back-breaker. no-quit night shifter. pressman—the youngest Philadelphia history. foreman—the toughest 40-year company blue collared keeper keys proud Army Veteran. American Dream incarnate. an Eagles fan. E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES chant waiting happen. 30-year season ticket holder Franklin Field Veterans Stadium Linc lifer made-my-pregnant-mother-climb fence not miss kickoff level Iggle Joe. biggest Everyone’s friend. Every kid’s waitress’s awkward laugh. motorcycle through bar. former Big Jim’s regular. practical joker. poker hustler. hole one. Again again again—three ones. He’d want mention that. bright belly Finnery ocean. Vast deep. Boisterous calm depending day. devoted husband. timeless love story. glance bar anytime anywhere crooner classic songs. incessant hand holder. doting partner. “we can get anything” supporter. Half infamous Geese duo. Oma’s softie. hopeless romantic. open heart. marvel unconditional love. 68-year year slow waltz family only son worshiped father. brother—an older brother. hilarious uncle. husband 68-years. father adoring son. daddy’s girl. three. great public crier. planner. product decisions. Was monument Of