Happy Birthday Gramps, I Miss You Every Day

Happy Birthday!

When I sent you and Granny a balloon-a-gram, you sat on the floor for photos with the balloons and we laughed so hard. That is one memory among many I cherish.

Granny had Dementia and she hid her wedding ring. We looked for months after her death, we searched the house looking and one day I found it in a crumpled tissue. She didn’t lose it on purpose, who knows what she was thinking. I called you to the room and we both were thrilled and we cried.

While cleaning out another drawer, I found every card you had given her, you’re not one to cry but I could tell you were shocked and sentimental. He looked at them probably thinking about Granny. I was jumping with joy and we both cried.

You took great care of Granny and even after she needed hospice, and I know it was hard. I would stay with her while you were running errands and saw her get more violent when you were gone or outside.

We had so much fun going down to the levees to teach me how to parallel park. That was the part of the driving test I failed. When I was very young, I would sit on your lap pretending to drive the truck.

You were always looking after me. The rules were strict and I needed structure, true love, and positive vibes. You only raised your voice one time. You were painting the ceiling and I told you I would wait on the porch until my ride came. You didn’t hear me and thought I left the house without telling you. When I came home you were telling Granny. You talked to me in a normal tone telling me to never leave the house without telling. Granny came to the rescue by calming you down and reminding you I did tell him. End of story.

I admire how important family was to you. With 13 siblings, you spent time with all of them. I even met your parents, they had antique iron headboards which is probably why I fell in love with them.

I miss you every day and learned life lessons from you. You will always be my father.

I love you!

Melinda