Isn’t it odd how a person can touch your life, but you don’t realize the impact they have made until that person is no longer with you?
Many of us at ULV came to this realization last week when we learned of the passing of our friend Ernie Granillo.
Ernie was more than just the guy who delivered our mail in the Student Center. He was the smiling face behind the counter who always took the time to talk to you or help you out when you came to him with a problem.
I was told my freshman year that I would get to know Ernie. I had heard stories about how helpful and kind he was.
I didn’t think much of it at first, but as time went by I knew what they were saying. I did get to know Ernie, but I never realized to what extent he would get to know me, or any other student for that matter.
I never thought about how kind people could be, just out of the goodness of their heart, until I met Ernie.
He loved his job and the people with whom he interacted. He was one of those people who seemed to simply have a passion for life.
Every time we would pass on the street he would say hello. I remember being completely shocked the first time he called me by name.
But that’s the kind of person Ernie was. He knew just about everybody who had a mailbox in the Student Center.
It used to make me laugh how he knew when I had mail. He would often see me and say, “Chrissy, you got a package from your mom.”
I don’t know anyone else who would do that. It’s a great feeling to know somebody cares like that.
Doing your job is one thing; Ernie went beyond the call of duty. He got to know people because he was genuinely interested in doing so.
Selflessly enough, he never expected anything in return. Although, thankfully, there were many who did return his kindness.
In many ways, Ernie was more than just a staff member at ULV. Yes, he worked in the mail room, but he was also heavily involved in the theater and other activities on campus. ULV wasn’t just a place of employment for him, it was his school, too.
I attended the service held for Ernie in Dailey Theatre Friday afternoon; it was a full house, proving just how many people share this opinion.
The floor was opened up for anyone who wanted to share a story, and many people did.
As much as I wanted to get up to share some of my memories of Ernie, I was glued to my seat. But I was moved by the students who did share their stories, and comforted by the fact that the sentiments they expressed were similar to those I have.
I think we can all learn something from Ernie. People will come and go in our lives. We will touch them more if we make even the smallest effort to get to know at least a little bit about them.
The kindness in the theater was overwhelming. I think in a way it shows how Ernie has affected us and that he is still with us in the happy spirit and generosity he imparted to us.
Ernie’s kindness has touched me and it was apparent at the service just how appreciated and loved Ernie was at ULV, I just hope I returned his kindness as much as he deserved.
Chrissy Zehrbach, a junior journalism major, is sports editor for the Campus Times. She can be reached by e-mail at sqweet@aol.com.
