Lasting Memories

Today would have been his birthday. He would have been 85. He answered his last call on this Earth at the age of 66, on May 27, 2000. He went by many names. Some of which inappropriate to share in this post I am sure. However, to those of us that loved him the most he was Frenchy, Pop, and Grandpa. For 18 plus years I do not think there is a day that has gone by that I have not thought about him. He was the type of person who left his mark on many, many lives. A fact that was apparent on the day of his service. The pews of St. Mary’s church were lined with hundreds of people. And even still it could not hold all that came to pay their respects to a man that left this life fulfilled, albeit too early. 

He spent two plus decades in the Navy, finally retiring as Chief Petty Officer. He served tours in Vietnam and Korea. He earned a bronze star with a combat ‘V’ for valor in Vietnam with numerous other accolades and honors during his lengthy career. He spent the rest of his days in construction. Always known to be a hard worker and not quitting until the job was done. An ideal he also set for his family. 

He set high standards. Sometimes they felt impossible to live up to but ultimately, they made us better for it. I went to him often during times of struggle. He could give the kind of life advice and guidance that was not partial but full of wisdom and life experience. He would tell you like it is, not afraid to hurt your feelings but made sure you knew he loved you. I often reflect on his words, to this day, when faced with challenges. He was a jokester. But more than that he was a storyteller. Boy could he tell some whoppers. He was strong, stubborn and ornery. He loved his family fiercely and had a good heart.

And man could he play the harmonica. Some of my favorite memories of him are sitting around the fire listening to him play his harmonica and sing his songs. He always seemed bigger than life. A personality unique to him. He was a character and a friend to many. He could be in conflict with someone and by the end of the encounter they would both be laughing. As he would walk away you could see the confusion on the other persons face like, “wait a minute what just happened? I was supposed to be mad at you!” That was the kind of person he was. 

I wish he was still around. There have been many times in my life when I thought, “what would grandpa tell me?” I wish he could see my little family, as I know he would love my kids so much. Instead though I am grateful for my lasting memories of him. Moments in life I treasure. Advice I have never forgotten and expectations that I constantly try to live up to, even today. Happy Birthday Grandpa! We love and miss you always ❤️