Grandfather

[akivory]

How important was your grandfather in your life? I did not know my grandparents. My fathers parents died before I was born and only saw my mothers father a few times before he passed away.
My two married daughters have given us ten grandsons. My greatest joy in life is spending time with these guys.
I got a letter today from my oldest grandson. He is in Marine Corps boot camp. We adopted his mother as a pregnant teenager. They lived with us for ten years.
Darius and I did every thing together as he was growing up. After they moved out he would come to our house every day when his mother was at work.
As a teenager I thought we had lost him a few times. I always knew of his potential.
It was obvious to me that he has leadership qualities and is a problem solver.
From the time he was young he wanted to be a Marine. I was never in the military but I always encouraged him.
He told me that he knew a I had been praying for him and and thanked me for all I had taught him.
He said that at first he had second thoughts about his decision to enlist but now knows that he is where he belongs. He said he is reading his Bible and gave specific instructions on how to send a care package.
We feel this is the best part of our lives. I wish I had more time.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Every day they do well is more time added to your life.
My father was a volunteer GED teacher at a local prison,
and he told us how proud he was of his students when they did well.

 

[Loosearrow]

My Grandfather raised me in northern Ocate, New Mexico. We lived in a two room adobe house, dirt ceiling, no electricity or running water. I swung an axe everyday as a necessity. I guess that's why I like them so much. I became a natural human, being comfortable alone and aware of my surroundings. I feel merged with nature because of that upbringing. I have now adopted my two grandchildren. I have had them since birth. They are 7 and 12. The call me Dad. The boy used to call me Grandfather. I kind of liked that over Po Po or something like that. It used to raise some eyebrows when he would do that. I just smiled. I knew he was telling everyone I was his dad and I didn't say anything, since I was the only dad he knew. One day he asked me if he could call me dad. I said if that's what he wanted to do it was fine. He said, "Thanks Dad." I've been dad ever since and dad to his sister by a different father. I did enjoy Grandfather for awhile. People tell me that they couldn't do what I have done and that they admire me. I say, how could you not do what you have to do. It's what a Grandfather does. He fills the gap in the life of a child. P.S. The Marines was good for me as well. It helped to connect me to others. A different code to live by. A big family. I am proud of my service. Regards

 

[Shann]

My paternal grandfather died when I was so young that I have no recollection of him, as well as my paternal grandmother. My maternal grandfather died when I was about 7, so he is just the kindly old man who had an old truck.

My maternal grandmother was a great influence on my life. She was kind and a good cook and took great care of us kids, but she was also tough and took no BS from anyone.

 

[knarfeng]

How important was your grandfather in your life? I did not know my grandparents. My fathers parents died before I was born and only saw my mothers father a few times before he passed away.

I grew up in a similar situation. I never knew my grandparents.
My grandfather died at age 86, but I was only 3 at the time.
Seems to run in the family. My grandfather, father, and I were all in our 30's or beyond before getting married. None of us knew our grandparents.

 

[czechinthepipes]

My Grandparents on my Fathers side were a huge part of my life and they helped my parents shape me into who I am today. They went to pretty much every sporting event and school function I was in and I spent a lot of time with them either at my home or theirs.

Although I really only new one of my Grandfathers (my Dad's step Dad), I am fortunate to have known him most of my life, he just recently passed away 3 years ago. My other Grandfather died when I was really young, but was told I met him as often as he and my Grandmother came out to visit from Denver; sadly I only have one or two memories of him. I am especially proud to be both of my Grandfathers Grandson since both served throughout WWII. My Grandfather that died when I was young was a B-17 Pilot and my other Grandfather was an Army Medic in Europe.

Both of my Grandmothers I new for most of my life as well, my closest one passed away 6 years ago and my other one who lived with my Mom's side of the family in Denver passed away 2 years ago.

Overall I was very fortunate to have the Grandparents I had all were important to me and loved them very much. I do wish I got to know my other Grandfather better, but I am sure he has and still watches down on us. At least now he has the company of my other Grandparents to help watch out for us.