So life goes on. For years we plant the seed, we feel ourselves rich; and then come other years when time does its work and our plantation is made sparse and thin. One by one, our comrades slip away, deprive us of their shade.
My grandfather will be always be one of my heroes. I grew up thinking that he was a Viking, reformed pirate, Santa Clause, explorer, and poet all rolled into one. We would watch old movies together and read books. My love of books and learning and movies is all tied to him - and I'm forever grateful. His real life was just as interesting. He was a scholar, and a Marine pilot, and for a brief time a body guard in mobster Chicago ("but that's a story for another time").
I remember watching as he grew older and his friends slowly disappeared - his plantation growing sparse.
There is a birthday tradition in the Marine Corps. On November 10 we all wish each other happy birthday. When I was young my grandfather's phone would ring all day and his drive would be busy with visiting cars. He would make his visits in the morning to be home for afternoon visits. As the years passed the phone became quieter and the drive wouldn't fill up. I miss the stories I would hear from all those men talking. They were so free with each other, they really loved each other, and felt safe in their shared company.
One of the proudest moments of my life was when, after joining the Marines myself, my grandfather called me to wish me a happy birthday. It was like I had joined an elite club, but more than that I had fully become my grandfather's friend.
I miss him. Thank you Bestefar, Jeg Elsker Deg and Semper Fi.
SEnkey, I could barely read this aloud to my husband it’s so beautiful. I am deeply moved and so happy you shared this. I could actually see you writing an essay for publication about this - you express yourself very well. My grandmother was also my friend. I chose her as my confirmation sponsor and also my maid of honor when I got married the first time. She was 85. We danced to Rock Lobster at the reception. My first husband’s grandfather was his best man, also 85. I miss them both so much - rich lives, rich stories. We are both very lucky to have experienced such quality friendships.
Thank you Pegeen, I was so grateful to you for bringing this article to my attention. I've started following Maria in the hopes of having more experiences like the one I had when reading this article. Her articles on Mary Oliver I've really enjoyed.
PS I love the thought of you dancing to Rock Lobster with your grams!
“Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasure of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconciliations and generous emotions. It is idle, having planted an acorn in the morning, to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of the oak.” My sister and I have been writing letters (emails we call tomes) to one another everyday for over 8 years. The thought of that ending is a loss I can not fathom.
My grandfather will be always be one of my heroes. I grew up thinking that he was a Viking, reformed pirate, Santa Clause, explorer, and poet all rolled into one. We would watch old movies together and read books. My love of books and learning and movies is all tied to him - and I'm forever grateful. His real life was just as interesting. He was a scholar, and a Marine pilot, and for a brief time a body guard in mobster Chicago ("but that's a story for another time").
I remember watching as he grew older and his friends slowly disappeared - his plantation growing sparse.
There is a birthday tradition in the Marine Corps. On November 10 we all wish each other happy birthday. When I was young my grandfather's phone would ring all day and his drive would be busy with visiting cars. He would make his visits in the morning to be home for afternoon visits. As the years passed the phone became quieter and the drive wouldn't fill up. I miss the stories I would hear from all those men talking. They were so free with each other, they really loved each other, and felt safe in their shared company. One of the proudest moments of my life was when, after joining the Marines myself, my grandfather called me to wish me a happy birthday. It was like I had joined an elite club, but more than that I had fully become my grandfather's friend.
I miss him. Thank you Bestefar, Jeg Elsker Deg and Semper Fi.
SEnkey, I could barely read this aloud to my husband it’s so beautiful. I am deeply moved and so happy you shared this. I could actually see you writing an essay for publication about this - you express yourself very well. My grandmother was also my friend. I chose her as my confirmation sponsor and also my maid of honor when I got married the first time. She was 85. We danced to Rock Lobster at the reception. My first husband’s grandfather was his best man, also 85. I miss them both so much - rich lives, rich stories. We are both very lucky to have experienced such quality friendships.
Thank you Pegeen, I was so grateful to you for bringing this article to my attention. I've started following Maria in the hopes of having more experiences like the one I had when reading this article. Her articles on Mary Oliver I've really enjoyed.
PS I love the thought of you dancing to Rock Lobster with your grams!
“Old friends cannot be created out of hand. Nothing can match the treasure of common memories, of trials endured together, of quarrels and reconciliations and generous emotions. It is idle, having planted an acorn in the morning, to expect that afternoon to sit in the shade of the oak.” My sister and I have been writing letters (emails we call tomes) to one another everyday for over 8 years. The thought of that ending is a loss I can not fathom.
That is beautiful.