Ode to my Granddad!
My Granddad passed from this world today and I just wanted to let everyone know what a wonderful man he was. He would have been 90 this December, and every one of those years has been something. He was a trouble maker, and enjoyed the reputation that came with it. Always laughing and joking even at the end. I know he was so happy that all of his family came to be with him at the end and I am sure somewhere he is thinking that we are all just being soft. That was his way. I will always remember his stories, but one comes to mind now.
When he was a boy, he would say, he had an old cannon in the garage. He was a clever boy and was good at making home made gunpowder. One day he decided to try out his gunpowder and loaded the cannon. He lit the fuse and shot the lead ball down the drive into the street. He didn’t hit any0ne but he did break the street.
This was one of many stories he would tell. He spoke of his time in the Army with such love that you know it was not something he ever regretted. He was a member of the cavalry, possibly just so he could have a horse. He loved animals, especially horses and dogs. Up until the end he was still getting up early every morning to take his beloved dog for a walk.
As tenacious as anyone could ever be, even at 90, he was still going down to the cellar to get the coal for the open fireplace. If anyone asked to help he would complain and tell them he was perfectly capable of getting the coal. He was a very happy person and liked to let everyone around him know. You couldn’t visit without giving him a kiss on the cheek or forehead, but secretly we all loved giving those just to see him smile.
One of my best memories of my time with him was when I was a child. One summer we spent a long time in the cellar, just the two of us, building a birdhouse for the tree in his back garden. It was wonderful for me as I got to spend time with him and we were doing something practical which we both enjoyed.
Granddad, what a life you lived! You will always be remembered in all of our hearts. I love you!
