I Want to Tell You About My Grandfather…
I think in every person’s life there is at least one figure—sometimes more—who becomes a true role model, someone who deeply shapes their values and the kind of person they become. For some, it might be a literary character, for others a public figure, and for many, simply a family member.
For me, one of those people was my grandfather—Misha Polshini.
My grandpa Misha and I, 2013
I am deeply grateful to my grandfather, because through his life he taught me so much and gave me such a powerful example of how to live. And I want to share this with you too…
Above all, my grandfather gave me immense, unconditional love. He was warm, kind, caring, and extraordinary—not just as a grandfather, but as a person. He wasn’t only loved by his own grandchildren, but even by other people’s grandchildren. He always carried barberry and menthol candies in his pocket, handing them out to every child he met, bringing smiles and joy wherever he went. ❤
My grandma Laura and grandpa Misha. He was like this UP character:))
Through his life, my grandfather showed me how it is possible to live surrounded by love—how to genuinely, wholeheartedly love every single person: relatives, acquaintances, and even strangers. And how to respect each one of them.
He was someone who loved absolutely everyone with his whole heart. I don’t even know how he managed it—it’s so rare and so difficult. From him flowed such kindness, warmth, and love that only very few people in the world are able to give. He could see only the good, the best, and the kind in people—and express it through love.
Because of his example, one of my greatest dreams has been to live in such a space of unconditional love myself—to love everyone around me and to feel that love coming back from them. To live in love, to feel love, and to know you are loved in return—this is a fundamental human need. Everything else in life, whether we realize it or not, leads back to this need.
This is how my grandfather lived, and I’m so glad that I am his continuation—that through his example, he planted that same seed of love inside me.
I reflected on this even more deeply three years ago, when my grandfather passed away. For the first time, I saw such immense love, warmth, and genuine grief expressed for one person—and I realized the most important thing in life is to share and leave behind this kind of great love. Everything else is secondary.
I was especially struck when, at the funeral, even the bus driver from the public transport my grandfather used to take to work came, sincerely mourning. It amazed me that my grandfather had managed to create such a warm, love-filled relationship even with him. ❤
From my grandfather’s example, I realized—and I want to share this with you—that it is so important to give an example through your own life and your own values: to your children, your grandchildren, and even to others’ children and grandchildren. Because sooner or later, the love we give and the seeds of love we plant in people will sprout—in the next generation and in the world as a whole. ❤
As Gandhi said: “My life is my message.”
Today, our country—and not just our country, but the whole world—needs unconditional love, warmth, care, and positivity. And with our lives and our love, we can become that example for others. ❤
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, March 15, is my grandfather’s birthday. I’m deliberately not writing in the past tense, because he lives on in me. Perhaps he never knew the full extent of the influence he had on me, or how much he inspired me through his life and his character. He can’t read this now, but I am sure that wherever he is, he feels it—and it brings him joy. ❤
I wish you a day—and a life—filled with love.
With love,
Tina Basilaia ❤
