I'm sure we were fast friends from the moment we first met. I may not remember, however I've heard the stories enough times about you sneaking me junior mints when no one was looking. Or how you kept them in you shirt pocket and I knew they were there.. so I would always end up in you lap getting one. No wonder I love them!
I remember you teaching me how to fish, thank god you always baited the hook, those worms were yucky.
How about that huge tree in the back yard? It's gone now, but I can remember you laughing as it “Bit� me on my way by.
How about that snapping turtle in Canada that I “saved�, you never let me live that one down.
Or sitting around the campfire just loving life... Apparently I was also getting eaten by mosquito's .. you told me it was because I was so sweet. And the next night you suggested that I watch the fire from the camper.
And how can I ever forget your garden! I don't know how many hours we spent eating.. Oh I mean picking peas and green beans! And your lawn... we will forever wonder what your secret was that made your grass softer than anyone else's!
Then there was the pool that you and grandma put in and put up with for years just so you could enjoy watching your grandchildren and eventually great grandchildren enjoy it.
Stealing your chocolates, eating your cookies... Watching Wizard of Oz cuddled up in your lap hiding from that mean old witch. Out on the lake in Canada chasing loons around with the boat. Countless picnics and birthdays. You filled my young life with many wonderful memories.
Then I had my own children and I watched in awe as you did the same things for them. Snuggling with them as babies, sneaking them york peppermint patties pretending to be mad when they ate your cookies. Watching them open gifts and insisting that Santa must have made a mistake! That isn't for you that was for me! Watching them in the pool, telling me to take it easy on them... kids will be kids. I can remember you saying.. “Just let them play, they are fine!�
Calling me Dani yell... Or that slick smile we shared when we knew something that no one else did.
Being at my wedding and tearing up when we talked about how long you and grandma were married, you had every right to be emotional 60 years is a lifetime.
And Whether you were singing “Row Row Row your boat� to Scott, or playing peek a boo with Claire and Elmo. We all knew how much you loved us.
I definitely do not lack fond memories of my grandfather. And as his time grew short, I was lucky enough to be a part of his life that only a few were.
I was there when you and grandma were asked how you first met. I got to not only hear the story, but I also got to witness the two of you reliving the moments that you fell in love and the memories that you both shared though your lifetimes. Watching the way you look at each other was inspiring. Words cannot even begin to describe what kind of a moment that was. I feel so lucky to have been a part of that.
I watched you through this horrible battle, and through the whole thing you were never concerned with your self or your own well being. You were only worried about those around you. Grandpa...I know that your family was always what was most important to you... and because of that we all have fond memories to get us through. I just thought you should know you were pretty damned important to us too. And even though I am thankful that you are no longer in pain.... I will miss you, and you will be forever in my heart. I love you grandpa.
