He has always been there for me. When I was little, we moved a lot, and while that was fun, it was good to know that there was always a home base. Grampa’s house was my Home Base. Even when they moved out of the “city”, they moved their house to the new lot. One of the hardest days for me was when they sold his house. I couldn’t even be there for it.
Grampa always made Gramma’s Grape-nut ice cream for the 4th of July. I can still clearly see him mixing ice and rock salt, tending the ice cream maker the whole time to make sure it came out just right. Then, he would let me lick the paddle…sweet nectar of the gods!
Grampa could fix ANYTHING! From broken bicycles, to broken hearts.
Grampa taught me to garden and understood when I had to not just plant the potatoes, but also sing to them and dance barefoot over the mounds. He told me it was the best crop of potatoes he ever had.
My grampa is someone who you can sit for hours with, not saying a word and just hold hands.
His steps were long, yet he was always willing to slowdown and let a little hand hold his to walk. One of the greatest moments I have is when I watched him hold my boys hands the same way he held mine.
Grampa is still snarky, guess I know where I got it from.
My grampa loved my gramma with all his heart. They were still so very much in love, even after 50yrs when she passed away. He taught me how to give my whole heart to someone.
Today we loaded the kids in the van, drove 5 hours to see him and have a 90th birthday party. We then turned around and came back home. Was it tiring? Yes. Was it hard? Yes. Was it a long day? Yes. Would I do it again? A thousand times yes.
Happy Birthday Grampa…I love you with all my heart.
I'm glad you made it a priority to celebrate with him. I'm sure it meant the world to him and sends such a good message to your kiddos. :)
ReplyDeleteBrenda, it amazes me how much we have in common. My Grandpa was an amazing guy also, and like your Grandpa/Grandma he loved my Grandma with every ounce of his being. We lost Grandma a few months before their 64th wedding anniv, and Grandpa died of a broken heart 11 months later, in May of 2009. I wouldnt be who I am today without the love and support of my Grandpa.
ReplyDeleteNext time you see your Grandpa you give him an extra hug for me, and I know I dont have to tell you this, but enjoy every single moment you have with him!
Yey! At least you were there to see him! I bet that meant the world to him!!!!!!
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