Having Witnessed the Deaths of Numerous Loved Ones, 76-YO Arnold Schwarzenegger Makes an Emotional Confession: “I See Franco”

The bodybuilding GOAT Arnold Schwarzenegger recently opened up about the loved ones he has lost. His words revealed a profound understanding of life and death, transcending the conventional view of loss.

The seven-time Mr. Olympia reminisced about his dear friends Joe Weider, Franco Columbu, and his parents. However, instead of seeing their departures as an end, Schwarzenegger perceived them as a continuous presence in his life.

Arnold Schwarzenegger believes his loved ones are still with him

In his recent Q&A session, Arnie talked about his perspective on the presence of the closest ones from his life who had passed away in the past. “I don’t think my parents or my brother or Franco or Joe Weider or all of the friends and mentors who have died are gone. They are with me, every single day.”

Amid his revelation, he vividly recalled days of feeling his friend’s presence. “Every Day I come into my living room in the morning and I see Franco sitting at the chess table and I smile,” says Schwarzenegger. This mental image brings a smile to Arnie’s face, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and shared experiences.

In his reflections, he expressed gratitude, “They made me who I am, so, they’re never gone.” The essence of those departed lives on within him, shaping his character and influencing his actions. Every story he tells about Franco becomes a celebration, a joyous moment of shared laughter echoing through time.

Not just Columbu, Arnie had a great relationship with Joe Weider as well. As someone who grew up with a tough childhood, Arnie found a father figure in Weider.

Schwarzenegger’s bond with Weider

The co-founder of Mr. Olympia’s contests played a crucial role in Schwarzenegger’s journey to fame and success. Arnie often spoke of Weider as the father he never had. In an earlier edition of his newsletter, he paid tribute to Weider, who passed away a decade ago.

Arnie praised Weider for his contributions to fitness and his kindness towards him. The Austrian Oak mentioned he refuses to be called “self-made” because of the support and guidance he received from Weider. Their close relationship went beyond bodybuilding, with Weider offering advice as Arnie transitioned into Hollywood. He emphasized that his life wouldn’t be the same without Joe Weider, who treated him like a son and played a crucial role in shaping his career and personal life.

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Arnie’s philosophy and point of view, which encourages his village to see things differently, are sure to help those mourning the loss of their loved ones. He believes that everyone needs to recognize that those who have passed away live on in memories and, perhaps more significantly, in the way they have influenced us. “They live on in us,” as the Austrian Oak says.

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