Our Memories- The Call Children

We were lucky to have Grandpa and Grandma down the street from us. Grandpa was everywhere. He was a part of our everyday lives and we his. He could be found in the background of our parties, graduations, weddings and holidays. He was there to meet our friends, our spouses and our children. He was there to wave hello as we passed his house. He was there to watch us grow from children to adults.

Grandpa would trek up the street to our house bearing gifts. The gifts he commonly brought were bones for our dogs and car magazines for Adam and Jed. He would come to observe life at our house and would usually inspect the latest project car in the garage. He shared his love of cars with Adam and Jed.

Grandpa would call and tell us the latest news stories or warn us of whatever accidents were happening that day. The phone calls were always short and without hello's or goodbyes but nevertheless filled with concern and love for us. We all loved Grandpa's telephone calls.

The grass was always greener at Grandpa's house. Grandpa's lawn was a thing of beauty. Green all year long, no matter the current drought status. Grandpa took pride in his yard. Whether it was planning his latest attack on those pesky deer, or the precise way he bagged his leaves, Grandpa found enjoyment in keeping his yard beautiful. He may have even found enjoyment in scaring Grandma when he would bring out his ladder. It was quite a sight seeing a man in his 80's on his roof trying to clean the gutters or trim the trees. He was young at heart and wouldn't leave that ladder alone. Before long we were instructed to take the ladder. Every time we saw Grandpa after that we were questioned as to the whereabouts of his precious ladder.

Looking back we realize that there isn't just one memory that stands out more than the other. We have memories of him standing on the porch blowing his conch shell. We remember the way he dressed at church, always dapper and polished. We remember his smile and the twinkle in his eye, especially as he was telling a joke. Most of all we remember the Grandpa who loved us and was everywhere.