It's now been 13 days since one of the most wonderful people I've ever known passed away. Grandpa Artie was co-owner of that house on Mankato Avenue in which I spent a lot of time and in which I always felt safe. As a child, there was nothing better than waking up to the sound of Donna Fargo belting out "Happiest Girl in the Whole USA" on the radio while the smell of eggs and toast gently coaxed me out of my sleeping bag. Jerry and I spent many Saturday mornings laying in sleeping bags on the floor and watching cartoons. Grandma and Grandpa let us do this as long and as much as we wanted. If we wanted to stay up late and watch scary movies, we could do that, too. The atmosphere was always friendly, always welcoming, always the place to be.
As I got older, Grandpa Artie was always there if I needed help or advice. He was there to comfort me if I was getting a lot of verbal abuse from my step-father, Wes at the time. When I got my driver's permit, he volunteered to help teach me to drive (and kept his patience with me throughout - even when I almost hit a car while parallel parking).
One of the things I remember most happened later, long after Grandpa Artie retired from Bay State. One morning, the first house that Paula and I lived in ended up with a horrible back-up of sewage in our basement. Despite having to wade in over a foot of putrid sewage, Grandpa stayed and helped with pumps and a wet vac until my basement was dry. I don't know if I ever thanked him enough for that. I don't know if one could ever thank a person enough for that....
Fast forward to 13 days ago. As most of the family were gathered around Grandpa Artie's hospital bed, we all felt a collective gasp and intense sense of sorrow as he passed away. At that moment, Lee knelt down and touched Grandpa's leg and said, "Good job, Grandpa."
I can think of no better way to describe what Grandpa Artie meant to me and what he did for his family. I think Lee said it best, "Good job, Grandpa."
Damn it Keith. I need to work, not cry.
ReplyDeleteI am crying too and I am at work and my heart is not in it. Losing my father is the hardest thing I have ever had to endure.
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I thought I was dehydrated after the past 2 weeks....guess not, as more tears are flowing. Beautiful Keith! Thank You.
ReplyDeleteI dreamt last night that I was riding with Gramps in his old green Chevy pickup, and I told him that I loved him. I just wanted him to know that. So I was quite amused by your blog today, our minds must be traveling along the same path.
ReplyDeleteI can only hope and pray to have half of the positive influence on others like Granny and Gramps have. You just don't come across many people anymore always willing to open their door to you, selflessly help you any way possible, and give you unconditional love. We are all so blessed to have been taught their values, morals, and ethics.
What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. I didn't know him well, but through your words (and others) I feel like I know him a bit more. He was always kind to me whenever we chatted. Such succinct words from Lee. I'm truly impressed. Obviously you and your grandpa have had a major influence.
ReplyDeleteVery well written Keith. Dad was a very special person and will always be remembered as a loving and caring father and grandfather. We will all miss him dearly. Auntie Kathi
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