The story of the USS Indianapolis is one that I never would have known, had my Grandfather not been a survivor of its' sinking. In school, the ship's role in W.W. II and its sinking was never discussed or explained. When I first learned about my Grandfather's survival story, I was shocked by what he had been through. It was impossible to picture so many men dying. It was hard to imagine how some were attacked in the ocean by sharks while others were not. My grandpa always tells me that "they (the sharks) didn't like the way he smelled." So often, we hear the events of history, learn about them, and shrug them away. However, this particular story I could not let slip away. This history lesson was made personal. It was no longer about the people of years past. Now it was about the survival of a family member.

Being a crewmember aboard the Indianapolis taught my grandpa about discipline. He learned how to be self-sufficient. No one was there to take care of you, and clean up after you all the time. Things had to be orderly. My grandpa also learned the value of hard work. It was doing your job that kept things running smoothly. Work is something my grandpa is not afraid of. To this day, he is a very independent man. He works everyday, and I'm sure he will continue his entire life. I can't imagine him doing anything different.

My grandpa enjoys being busy and living life to its fullest. This is something he has clearly shown me to be important. He is forever doing something fun, or taking a trip to somewhere. He is generous and loving to his family, and is always doing nice things for us. To my grandpa, there is nothing more important than enjoying what you are doing with your life. This is why he works. He enjoys people. He enjoys traveling and spending time with me and the rest of my family. While he has taught me many things, my grandpa has enjoyed what I do with my life.