John was my grandfather, well at least for the last 25 years or so. My grandmother married John when they were in their fifties; both of them had lost their spouses earlier on in life. My grandmother was actually a widow since my mother was 13, so gaining a grandfather for the first time in my teens was a real joy.
John was cool. He let me drive his snowmobile, he let me snag a beer from his sacred garage fridge, and he taught me the art of finding a TV with Hockey Night in Canada, (or in a pinch: another sport) at many family events. Once when we were hanging out when I was 15, and he told me to hop in his truck and drive him into Perth. I'd never driven before, so he taught me the basics and we hit the road. I was pretty stressed, but it was pretty fun and exciting too. I was a miserable driver, but I always remember what he said when we got back to my grandparent's house: "You sure got better at centering the truck on the way back. You'll be a fine driver". That simple compliment resonated, and sure helped me be confident when I went for my licence a few months later.
He died with far too little warning, but I'll sure miss him.
4 comments:
Well, and you'll find the best of him spiraling out of your heart and mouth at certain points in your parenting and grandparenting journey. God bless.
Your grandfather sounds like a fine man. I'm glad you had the opportunity to have him in your life. Your story reminds me of how important it is to give compliments in a timely manner. Those kind words can stay with a person for a lifetime. :)
Sounds like you owe him a debt that you can only pay by passing on kindness. Great story. Glad I came back this week.
Those little compliments last a lifetime, Ollie and are far too important not to impart when our turn comes.
When I was 11, my grandmother complimented the betel leaves I picked for her - such a small thing. Yet it sparked an interest in herbs and gardening that give me great pleasure until today.
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