In loving memory...

Of Our Gramps

I am a little late on this... but I just needed to write a little something to commemorate Gramps in my own way.

Gramps taught me to fish and to golf, neither of which I am any good at but not for a lack of trying on his part. Gramps taught me who's the boss: "Lynn says Gramps is the Boss!" "I'm Gramps and I'm the boss!" Gramps showed me how to start a camp fire and how to enjoy a hammock on a hot summers day. He taught me how to row a boat and how to tell a true Irish tale.

I will really miss Gramps. I will miss his guttural laugh; the way he could completely express his enjoyment or approval with a few hearty "Ha ha ha"'s that came from somewhere between his belly and his heart. I will miss the way he would suck his teeth when he was thinking.

I will miss his swishy walk: jacket slung over one shoulder, other hand on hip, and sashes across the room. I will miss the way he could come up with a nickname for any waitress, nurse, or sales associate within 30 seconds of meeting her.

I will miss the way he and Marion would talk back and forth together. They would have made a better sitcom than Lucy and Ricky. You could see how much they love each other and how much fun they have together.

I will miss the way he would put his hand on my shoulder and give me a two second deep tissue message followed by a few pats on the back before telling me how much he loved me.

I love you too, Gramps. I will miss you!!