May 23, 2014
Dear Grandad,
I hope this letter finds you well and comfortable on your flight. I have enclosed $10, enough for an in-flight margarita. This should not come as a surprise to you, but hopefully a nice reminder of how proud I am to be your grandson. I have enjoyed and cherished the discussions about your military service, whether it is a story about a stolen, ok let’s call it “borrowed,” motorcycle to get back to base, or a lesson learned from a mistake made near a Japanese destroyer. I respect so many things about you, and this is one of them. I could never understand the pressure you were under, or the experiences you had during your time in the Navy. What I do understand is that these experiences molded one of the greatest men I know, my best friend, my Grandad.
I thought I would take this opportunity to share the things I love about you and your teachings, some that maybe you do not know:
I think of you whenever I need to do something, and I find myself talking or thinking about it rather than doing it. You used to say to me, “let’s stop talking and start doing!” I love it. I remember saying that when I wanted to do something to my bike, or to my car, and you would listen and kick yourself up out of your chair and say that, or even simply “let’s go” and pretty soon we would have parts and dirty hands. There is a funny side note to this, not surprising, I have pissed off many of my employees over the years by using that phrase, especially when I said it with a smile on my face as I think about you.
In one of my darkest times, I thought about how you used to coach me not to deal with liars. As the decision whether or not to include someone in my life, this is one of the first things I try to assess, and I remember your words “I will not deal with liars.”
You have taught me about friendship. Being a grandson has afforded you some latitude with me that maybe you wouldn’t do as a parent. I remember you saying to me, “I trust you, whatever you decide, I will support you.” I have incorporated this mindset with how I treat my friends as well as with my selection of friends. I would like to think this has made me a better person, but who knows. I do know it has helped me surround myself with good people, people I can count on, like you.
I have said this to you before at one of your wedding anniversaries. I think about how much you love Grammy and the countless times you have told me this. I often wonder if this message was something intended to teach me, or just an outpouring of feelings for her. Maybe it is both? Do you care to shed some light on that? This is just one example that I ponder were you consciously trying to teach me something, or just being you. Intentional or not, you have provided me with a good example on multiple occasions.
You are a complicated man. Well rounded is how I would describe you. You can be hysterically funny one moment, and profound the next. You are extremely intelligent. You take care of your own. You are loyal. You are strong. You are brave. You are thoughtful. You are the example of who I try to be. God could not have given me a better grandfather.
Thanks so much for everything you have done for me. You have not only been there for me and supported me in times of need, but you have also been an awesome source of fun for me as well. I can’t wait to see you!
Love,
Scott
P.S. I have enclosed a copy of one of my favorite pictures (photo of Roy, JoAnn, and son Dennis in the photo section) which I hope will bring a smile to your face. I keep this in my dresser.
