We were standing by the pond. Our matching cane poles in hand, we patiently waited in silence for our bobbers to be pulled under. The only sound was the breeze rustling through the overgrown plants around us. Then I felt his arm around my shoulder. He looked at me and said, “I love you, Al.”
This is one of my favorite memories of me and my grandpa. The summer days we spend having competitions to see who could catch the most fish, and him always letting me win (even though he would never admit it.) The ice cream trips to Alexander’s after these fishing adventures. And riding in his truck with the windows down while he tells me stories about things like how Rudolph’s nose used to be blue (this always has been and always will be my favorite story.) These are moments that I cherish and will always look back on with a smile. It's memories like these that make me realize my grandpa is the best friend I have ever had.
Grandpas are full of wisdom and grace, and just know how to live life right. As I have gotten older, I have realized just how vital my grandpa’s role has been in my life. Without him, I would be nowhere near the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful. So here are a few reasons why I cherish my grandpa. This one’s for you, gramps.
My grandpa is in constant support of my dreams. Grandpas have a way of making sure you never forget your passion in life. Just when you’re in the middle of a life crisis and are convinced that you’ll never make it as a writer, your grandpa goes to his sock drawer and brings out every story you’ve ever written since you were five and reminds you that you are full of potential. Even if I don’t ever make it in the world of journalism, I know I’ll always have my grandpa to support me. And that means the most.
I love my grandpa because he's never afraid to tell me how it is. Even though a grandpa supports you in everything you do, don’t expect him to just let it go when you start going down the wrong path. Grandpas are quick to correct you, not out of anger or judgment, but out of pure love. I appreciate all of the hard talks and advice and know that I would be lost without his influence. Even when grandpas do call you out for your mistakes, don’t worry, you can always count on a glass of chocolate milk and an episode of "Hee-Haw" to make it all better afterward.
Spending time with my grandpa is a great way to escape the world. When things get crazy, and you need to just relax, you know exactly where to go. Grandpa’s house. Anytime you need to get away, that tree swing in the back yard is calling your name. And your grandpa is there to give you the best underdog ever. There’s something about swinging and talking to him that just makes everything okay again. And on the rare occasion that the tree swing is broken (because sometimes you take swinging a little too seriously), he is always up for a good game of H-O-R-S-E. Again, always letting you win because that’s what you need on a bad day.
I'm always learning from my grandpa because he leads by example. He is kind, and gentle, and joyful, and treats everyone with dignity and respect. He is what you want to be like when you grow up. I can only hope that I can absorb part of his wisdom. So thank you, Grandpa, for everything you’ve taught me. For all the times that you have made me smile and encouraged me to pursue my dreams with everything I have. You are my hero. I love you, Gramps.
