Remembering Grandpa

My grandpa died this morning. He was my paternal grandfather. My dad's dad. My grandpa.

Grandpa was a big man. He stood over 6 feet. He had strong arms and big hands. He had a big voice but not a scary big voice. A quiet big voice. Grandpa had a twinkle in his eyes.

Revisiting memories of Grandpa I see that I liked to take things from him. Apparently, when I was little bitty I swiped his beer can (an old yellow Coors can) and left him backwash. I took the last blueberry muffin one time. They were his favorite. I ate all his bean dip at Christmas, also his favorite. When he'd get home from work I would run for his chair and be sitting in it pleased as punch waiting for him to shoo me out of it.

In the early years Grandpa and Grandma had horses. We would follow Grandpa down to the barn to watch him feed the horses. On days that we got to ride we would wait impatiently while he saddled the horses. Usually us kids would wait down at the arena for the adults to bring the horses but sometimes I would get to ride the horse, with Grandpa leading it, through the corral, down the path and into the arena. I remember one day being one of the last to ride. The horse was hot and tired and I wasn't very big or heavy so I doubt she even knew I was on her back. She decided to roll in the dirt. I remember her starting to roll and Grandpa pulling me off before she hit the ground. I was safe with Grandpa.

Grandpa was a gentle man. A loving man. A wonderful husband, father and grandpa. I'm so sad that he is gone.