I Dreamed of my grandfather last night.

I dreamed of him how I've always known him, proud, strong, hard working and kind.
I dreamed we were riding in his old Ford pickup, traveling back in time.


With the windows down I could smell the summer mix of flowers and weeds that the country road to the farm knew.
He drank his coffee from a thermos lid and when he finished he reached over for his pouch of chew.


I watched with young eyes as put the leaves in his mouth and with a gesture that he noticed me he extended his hand.
I reached and grab a leaf or two feeling, proud and strong as inside the boy grew a man.


His lessons to me were often of few words but each one molded the man I am today.
I long to go back to be taught but one last time by the giant of the man with not much to say.


But all I can do is feel sad as he is gone, his lessons taught, his time here expired.
I dreamed of my Grandfather last night but this time no tears fell and I awoke with a smile.


I realized he had given me one last lesson of life and love that had to be learned through the pain of death and crying.
That if you hold someone you love tightly in your heart, then they will always be with you and a part of you, even in dying.