#3: Grandpa Loved His Children
Shortly after we left the Dairy Queen, on the outing which I wrote about in the last post, Grandpa and Grandma got in their car, while we began walking to ours. Before I knew it, both of my oldest children were sitting in Great-Grandpa’s lap in the front passenger seat of their car. I didn’t have the heart to tell Grandpa it was illegal and not safe. He loved it and so did they:
He was a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who always had time for his children. While music recitals and sporting events may not have been his cup of tea, he was there supporting his kids and grandkids. His daughters said they were pretty sure he dozed off at a few of those recitals, but who hasn’t done that before. I remember Grandpa attending our hockey games as a child. He usually lasted about 3 minutes in the ice arena before he was off to the heating room. But there he sat, the entire game…watching.
In addition to traveling to see his kids and grandkids, Grandpa always tried to make it easier for family to come to him. Whenever it was time to leave, you would always here the words, “Pull on up to the gas pump, it doesn’t cost me anything to fill it up.” We’re still not sure who it did cost, if it wasn’t him, but he said it wasn’t him.
Grandpa’s love for his children and grandchildren was well balanced. He aimed to be tough with us when we needed some discipline, instructive when we needed direction, and he always had a lap for us to bounce on.
Really enjoying the posts about your grandpa — looking forward to the next.
What a gift to have had so many years with your grandpa!
We miss you guys!
We were truely blessed to have such a wonderful father and grandfather. Thanks for sharing all this. We miss him!
Mom