I named this post after a paper I wrote in 9th grade, with the same title. I wrote it about my grandpa, Wally, and how I was so proud to be a part of his world. My grandfather, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2010. I found out as I was driving to drop off some dinner to a friend who had just had a baby.I'm so grateful for him and his passing has given me the chance to think about what he meant to me. My grandpa always told me exactly what he thought without sugar-coating anything. That part of his personality was sometimes difficult for me to handle. However, he taught me a lot and most of my memories of him are fond.
My favorite memory of him involves his beard. When I was a little girl, my family would visit my grandparents often. We didn't live far from them and I remember sitting on his lap all the time, rubbing my face against his whiskers. I can still feel it and smell him. My grandpa smelled like the combination of Irish Spring soap, aftershave and spearmint. When I was at their home, I would nurse Lyla in his office and just sit in there and cry. The whole room smelled just like him. I miss that smell.
I am so glad that he got to meet both of my children. Aulton has been sick, so he has been staying home from school and therapy this week. As I have been teaching and playing with he and Lyla, I have pictured my grandfather watching us. I think he would proud of the job I'm doing and it makes me want to try a little harder to be more patient and loving.
I feel my grandpa in my heart. He will be there until I'm able to rub my cheek against his again.
