It is funny how certain things make you think of someone out of the blue. I was cleaning the bathroom today and we have this foldable scissor that DH got somewhere, long ago and I haven't actually seen it in our home until a month ago. Anyway, the scissor reminds me of my Grandpa, Isaac F, from my mom's side. He used to carry a little scissor like that around in his pocket - in the days before a Swiss Army knife replaced it.
I have been thought of my grandpa a lot more in the past year then I was in the previous 12 since he died (I was 18 when he did). I loved my grandpa a lot! He was an amazing man who was quiet, though strong. He stood his ground on things he believed in, and even though he died in his late 60s (or early 70s, I can't remember) he was still seeking to know God and be closer to Him daily. He loved his family deeply... I don't remember him not having time for me. My sister and I were his only grandchildren and he enjoyed being a grandpa. I remember that he gave the very best hugs, big bear hugs where he would squeeze you tight. I remember cuddling with him in his La-Z-Boy and watching TV, sitting on his lap while I cried and him pumping my arm and talking about the waterworks and how he was going to have to get rubber boots from all the water. I also remember him tickling me under the chin and singing the song
I tickled her under the chin,
I did it again and again,
She liked it so,
She couldn't say no,
And I tickled her under the chin.
To which I would be gasping for breath, trying to get out "No, Grandpa, no."
I do that to R now. I tickle under his chin and sing the song. I tell him about his Grandpa Isaac and how much he would've loved him, how much they would've loved each other. I tell him about how he was named after Grandpa Isaac (R's full name is R Ranger Isaac) and how I want him to be like him someday. I want him to be a strong man, one who people can lean on. I want him to be someone who wants to know God better every day of his life. I want him to love deeply.
I miss my Grandpa.
4 comments:
I got all teary reading that one Rayna. Both my Grandmas passed away between the time I was 18 and 21. I miss them so much. I've talked to Riker and Trinity very early on about their Grandmas in heaven. Whenever Riker talks about heaven he talks about seeing his Grandmas there. It always chokes me up a little, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the fact that you also used your Grandpa's name for Rhys. It sounds like he's named after a pretty special man.
R,
I'm sorry I never had a chance to meet your grandpa. I have never had one myself so I have to live vicariously through your memories. I am so glad Rhys and sibblings will have grand daddy's alive and well. One to teach him about God and the other to do unthinkable things to a child to get them to laugh!
M
Rayna, your blog about Dad brought tears to my eyes and a lot of emotion. I trust that I can be grandmother who will be respected in the same way by Rhys.
Mum
Rayna, you made Grandpa come alive to me again. I had forgotten about the Swiss Army knife, but I will never forget the 'tickle' song and the water pump - don't forget the goulashes. :-) Thanks for the memory.
C
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