For as long as I can remember,
Until I was nearly halfway
Through my last year of high school,
I had one living grandfather.
The other one died
Before I was born.
I wish I had known
The one who died,
For I learned from my mother
That he was a kind, loving man—
One who was well liked
In the community.
He was a good Christian man
Who provided for his large family—
A wife and eight children.
But the grandfather I remember,
Was more like a stranger.
I don't recall him ever
Speaking a word to me.
He never reached out to hold my hand,
Nor did he ever tell me he loved me.
I think that is very sad—
Sad for him and sad for me.
On the other hand,
My father was much different:
My siblings and I sat on his lap.
He got up early each morning
And went to work on the railroad.
But before walking out the door,
He came to his three girls,
As well as us three boys,
And planted a kiss on our forehead.
He brought us candy to eat
And lots of pop to drink
When we were sick.
I could talk on and on
About the ways he was good.
However, I suppose the thing I recall most
Was the time I neglected
One of my duties.
As a result, something bad happened.
I suffered deep sorrow,
And my father knew it.
So, instead of punishing me,
He was filled with compassion,
For his son was downcast with regret.
I knew he didn't like what I had done,
But he forgave me, nonetheless.
Please know that I love you both.
You are displaying responsibilities
That young adult men should,
And it makes me proud
To be your grandfather.
So, if I kiss you on the cheek now and then,
Don't be embarrassed.
It is something I learned long ago
From my father.
©️Copyright 2023 By David Lee Thompson
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comments…this was so heartwarming…!
I feel it is so good for our Grandchildren to know how
much we care for them, and how proud are proud we are of
who they are and of their achievements.
It is also useful to help them to understand
who we are, and how some of our past experiences
have shaped us..
Grandchildren today seem in general to have a much
more informal relationship with Grandparents,
and I think this in general is beneficial for all.
Your words I am sure will be
so appreciated, and truly treasured in memory…
You have given them the valuable and priceless
gift of your love and appreciation in words as well as deeds..
Lucky Grandsons to have such a loving and thoughtful
Grandfather…
Diana…🍃
One of my grandfathers died when I was a sophomore in high school. For some reason, although he lived less than 20 miles away on a farm, I have no recollection of his funeral. He was a stern man but very strong, raising seven children through a very bad depression. His death was sudden through cancer. My other grandfather lived until I was a freshman in college. He was also a farmer but worked many jobs after leaving the farm and had many ailments leading to his death. I remember vividly when we went fishing with him down behind his old farm one day when Roger and I were about 14. Grandpa told us he was just, "Waiting for the good Lord to take me away." But hoping for one more catfish on his chalk line.
Ron