I was very fortunate to have had all of my grandparents in my life.  My grandfathers were particular favorites – and I love knowing that I showed them that.

 Grandpa Monroe died when I was three.  I have several very vivid memories of him, and always love hearing stories about him.  He was a man’s man – a sportsman, although he said that when he shot his first deer, the deer’s eyes haunted him – and he never shot another.  He was an avid horseman and spent much time with my mom riding their horses.

I adored him.  As a toddler, I was difficult when it came to bedtime and my parents couldn’t get me to lie down.  Grandpa would come into my room and say “time to go to bed, sweetie” – and that was all it took.  I would take a nose-dive down and be asleep within minutes.  My mom says he would walk out of the room chuckling and so pleased with himself. 

Grandpa Williams, whom we all called Bompa, died when I was a junior in college.  He was an attorney and a politician.  He was a good and honest man, and an incredible grandfather.  When I was about two and a half, Bompa announced his candidacy for a judicial position in Michigan.  My mom took me to the press conference.  Somehow I got away from her.  The room was full of newspaper and tv reporters, with Bompa on the stage in front of a podium.  All of a sudden my mom sees me walking across the stage to get to him.  He didn’t skip a beat in his announcement, put his hand down and I grabbed it and held on for the remainder of his speech.  The picture made it in newspapers across the country (the first and last time I have been described as “a perky blond”).

My grandfather left an incredible legacy, but his greatest gift to the world, in my opinion, was my father.  My dad is my rock.  When I look back over his life, I am overwhelmed by the strength of his character.  He has had some amazing life experiences, but he doesn’t talk about them unless specifically asked.  By example, he taught me the importance of earning the respect of others on your own merit.

My dad is the voice of reason and calm.  He is filled with pride at my brother’s and my accomplishments, but has also always been there to support us through our failures.  I know that no matter what difficulties I encounter,  my dad will be there to provide the love, kindness and support that I need.  He is rational and very analytical – my best sounding board for life changing decisions.

 

Another favorite story about my dad is when my mom and my dad went to a party at their high school.  There were people lined up on the stairs and porch to get into the school for the party.  A tuba player for the band was trying desperately to get up the stairs.  Mom said it was like watching a cartoon – he would take a few steps up and someone would push him all the way back down – and this was repeated several times.  Dad left Mom’s side, picked up the tuba player and his tuba, and plowed through the crowd.  Bodies flew as Dad blocked his way into the school.  He was captain of the football team and a wrestler – but yet has always had an incredible softness and kindness.  He has never tolerated meanness or injustice.

Funny – in telling that story now, it made me realize that I know exactly how that tuba player felt; there have been times in my life where my dad has picked me up and pushed through obstacles.  And each time, I felt safe.