This here is a very important man. My Gramps. Ninety five years old and still holds a valid drivers license. Father of four boys, who fathered nine offspring, who are starting to build their own families. I count a total of 23 people that wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for this man.
He’s still going strong despite the love of his life passing away a few years ago- it’s amazing how people continue to live when their hearts get broken. He often says that he didn’t realize how much he would miss my Grandmother until she was gone. My Grandmother was an extremely kind and loving soul, and it reflects throughout her family. Her four boys visit their father weekly- some even daily. They’ll catch up on the weather, news, and being a Hamiltonian, Gramps will curse the Toronto sports teams- for instance, his favorite, The Blow Jays.
My father sums up my Grandfathers life pretty good, “he always says he could not have asked for a better life, or lived in a better time. He never saw the first depression, never went to war, only saw progress, great new inventions like the car, tv, etc, and worked in a time when a stelco worker was king. And most important, had a family that has always stuck together, and the love of his life from when he went to public school. Not bad!”.
A few days ago I found out he has cancerous scar tissue on his shoulder. Shit… Life takes unexpected turns.
Hey Lee, gosh you said it one of the most important figures in our lives. I believe that our gramps is the King of the world, the embassador of our family, the teacher of all teachers. If anything our lives are so much richer because he is still here to guide us through everything. I went to visit gramps not too long ago and he still talks about gram like she is still here. I was doing some cleaning for him and my dad made sure I knew not to move anything (not sure why). When I was dusting the knick knacks on the little shelf beside the glass cabinet he started to tell me that gram was so careful, so particular when she cleaned that she had all her fancy knick knacks lined in perfect form, all spaced apart evenly as if she had taken a ruler to them. He said that what he loved the most about gram was the fact that she was a small woman but so big on the inside, she handled everyting that gramps and her boys through her way. I miss gram and sometimes all I have to do is go and visit pops, take in the scenery, remember the good ole times we had there and as always hear the stories about the love of his life. And maybe its hard to hear but when he says he can’t wait to pass on himself, I understand because he just wants to have the love of his life back in his arms. Two of the most spectatular people that our history will never forget. As he always says to us now, Love you, Love you very much. The picture you took and the words you wrote Lee, are among some of the most beautiful words i’ve heard in a long time. Thanks for that.
I love that you treasure your heritage and that your fondness for your grandfather is so strong in your life. You are richer to know him and he is fortunate to have a family that appreciates him, your grandmother and the history behind each of them!
‘Beck, you’ve got to do what makes you happy. Love ya Beck’
Sage advice.
Perfectly said. Gramp and Grams would be very proud. The best of all, is to see what they have created. When I read your note and Cheryl’s above you know they had to be great examples to all of us. He always says how proud he is of all of you - me to!
And, by the way, great photo!
He is definitly the keystone to this entire family, great shot and even greater words.
I have always thought the world of Uncle Gil and Aunt Kay. I often looked forward to our visits(Mom Dad Denise and I ) on boxing day evening where we would enjoy some of their leftover turkey and cranberry in sandwiches with a nice cup of tea. Nice memories. They always enjoyed having company. After Aunt Kay passed, I would give Uncle Gil a telephone call once in a while and to this day he knows who’s calling without even telling him who I am. He would always tease me by telling me to keep on working at Stelco to keep up his benefits–who would have thought that I would be retired from there as well.
I had a great time at the BBQ . It was great seeing all the cousins .Thank your Mom and Dad for inviting me.
Lee I am really impressed with ALL of your photos. You really do know how to express a feeling in each picture!!