The greatest man I ever knew

Today has been 22 years since my Grandfather passed on to heaven. It seems so long ago, but at the same time it seems like it was just yesterday. There have been times in my life that I have blocked out, but that day I remember so vividly and can recall everything that happened. 


I guess because it was a turning point in my life. The only father that I ever had passed when my Grandfather passed away. I have a few very fond memories from the short time I spent with my Gramp. My Mom always says that I gave him an extra ten years here on earth. My Gramp's health was bad when I was born and my Mom and Grandma always say that I put the life back into him. 


I remember sitting on my Gramp's lap and braiding his long white beard, or laying on his lap while he stroked my hair while we watched tv together. I remember his smell, I remember playing with the pearl snaps on his long sleeve shirts. He used to sit and play with my dolls with me and we would sit for hours and play the piano together. I remember before his health got bad we would walk down to the doughnut shop and get breakfast together or walk to the gas station for an ice cream. He even made me my own seat on the back of his motorcycle complete with a belt so I didn't fall off. I remember Saturday mornings my Grandfather would put on his blue jumpsuit and his trucker hat and go out and mow the lawn and I would sit on the steps and watch him. He never let me get too close because he didn't want me to get hurt. 


I learned many many things from my Grandfather, like what a REAL man is like and how a real man treats their wives. It always brought a smile to my face when I would see him walk past my Grandma and sneek a kiss. I remember when he was in an onery mood he would stand outside the bathroom door quietly when Meme was in there and when she would open the door up he would be standing there with his nose to the door and a big grin and everytime she would get startled he chuckled. 


My Mom used to use my Grandfather as an example to me of God's love. She couldn't have had a greater example. I know my Gramp had to have a hand in picking out my daughter because she is too much like him for him not to have. Sometimes I think, how is it possible for her to have so many traits like him without ever having met him. 


I know my Gramp is sitting in heaven looking down on his family and smiling at all of the great and great great grandchildren that he has now that he's never gotten to meet. He always wanted a big family and he definitely laid the ground work for that very well. 

I just wish I had one more chance to hug him and tell him how much I love him and miss him. Today is always a tough day to get through but I'm going to think about the good times and all of my good memories. I miss you, Gramp and I love you more than you'll ever know.