Dedicated to a great man who never met a stranger Here's to you, Dad and 2008!

Jingle jangle echoed down The long wood halls of this southern town The house on Magnolia Avenue Was the home of Daddy and Mom too The grands would visit regularly Then wait for Pops to wake and speak There were times when words never broke The silence as his pockets spoke He'd place his hand inside his pocket Jingle jangle like a rocket The grands would race to the front As he emptied all his change ...then grunt "Whose been good for this week?" He'd let his eyes enforce his speech In little voices some would chime "I've been good"...then "Where's my dime" Other faces told it all As pouted mouths shrunk to small "Well, just in case here's a nickel... "Go get yourself out of this pickle... Then when you've made up for your due... I'll pay you another... you're good too." With laughter smiles and little fists Balled up fortunes and eyes of mist Gramps and grands would explore Then venture down to the grocery store In Dad's old Chevy they'd pile together Jingle Jangle... feeling so much better Today Gramps isn't around to call But jingle jangle echoes the hall The wee ones grow in Gramps own spirit Jingle jangle... Can't you hear it?"