Memories of Nannanny

September 25, 2009 at 8:57 pm · Filed under 1

My mom reminded me this morning that my grandfather died twenty years ago today, my mom’s birthday and also the day that Hurricane Hugo blew through the state of North Carolina, doing lots of damage to my condo. It’s hard to believe it has been that long since I lived in Charlotte.

It makes me sad to think that his memory grows more distant with each passing day. It’s hard for me to remember all the great times we shared when I was a small child. Instead, I tend to remember how sick he was during the last years of his life. I have such a vivid picture of him sitting patiently at the dialysis machines, wondering how much longer his body could withstand kidney failure, on top of his other medical ailments.

But on days like today, I look up at the beautiful blue Boise sky and envision him sitting there with a smirky smile on his face. I wish he could come visit, even if only for a day. He would be surprised to see adding machines replaced by computers, cars with keyless locks, TV with endless channels and no smoking signs everywhere. I wonder if he’d be excited to see so many baseball games to watch, replacing the Cardinals broadcast by radio.

He left me single, living alone, pursuing my career; and I know he much he would enjoy meeting my family and seeing the sights of my new home. He would have so much fun playing with Luke, buying him a coke, and tossing balls to him in the back yard. He’d enjoy his soccer games, much like he loyally drove to see my basketball games. He’d love talking sports with Rob. He’d shower my dogs with affection. In a nutshell, I think he’d be real proud. And he’d go back upstairs after the day’s visit with a real feeling of contentment.

I know today he’s tossing balls to Shelby, and when she wears out, she’s sitting loyally by his feet. I know he watches out for me, gets sad when I cry, laughs when I’m dancing with Luke in the living room, and smiles with pride when good things come my way.

I wish he hadn’t left the earth so early in my life. But he’s made his mark on me and many others – in ways an earthly life fail to measure.

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