Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Little Grandpa

Of my many memories of my Grandpa Smith, this is one of my favorites. I loved to watch Little Grandpa (named so by the great grandkids) smile that crooked grin each time that he saw them.

As you can see, Heber enjoyed the little bits of time that he got to know Little Grandpa personally. He didn't get these moments very often with Grandpa Smith, only just a handfull of them. Maybe some of the things I remember most about this great man will help my little man fill in the gaps that are left when we have to say goodbye to someone special so soon in our young lives.
So, this is for you Heber:
1. Little Grandpa is perhaps remembered most for the tantrums he could throw when something was going wrong with the farm equipment. I think each one of us grandkids got to witness at least one of these episodes when grandma would send us outside to take him a glass of water to "cool him off" as he tinkered around with the broken down bail wagon. You see Hebe, we come by this honestly.
2. Little Grandpa had a very funny little laugh. He didn't use it often but when he did it could always bring a chuckle out in me as well.
3. Little Grandpa was a great storyteller. If you could catch him on the right day he would captivate you with stories from his childhood, from serving in World War II, and from being married and raising 4 kids of his own.
4. Little Grandpa loved Grandma Geniel. Though I was young, I remember several occasions that I got to witness a very special look on his face as he watched his sweetheart from across the room.
5. Little Grandpa was stubborn. There was no convincing this man to do anything he didn't want to do. You can thank him for this trait as well buddy.
6. Though little Grandpa wasn't one to show a lot of affection, there was never any question that he loved us and took pride in us. This was made evident by the bulletin board plastered with pictures that hung wherever he lived. More than once he slipped coins in my pocket without mom seeing, for a book at the book fair, and he was always willing to share an orange stick or a bowl of mint chocolate chip icecream that grandma kept in the icebox. Hugs from Grandpa Smith didn't come often, but I will always cherish the times that they did.
7. I will never be able to see a hat (like the one seen above) and not think of little Grandpa. I remember seeing this hat hang on the pegs by the back door when he joined us for Thanksgiving dinner or any other afternoon meal.
Today we said goodbye to our Little Grandpa Smith. His memory will live on in me and I hope it will in you. He is not the great grandpa you were named for Heber, but you certainly have a lot of him in you.
I will miss you Grandpa Smith. Thanks for these memories and the many that have gone unmentioned. I was with you in heart today and look forward to the time I shall see you again.

8 comments:

Lisa said...

This is a great tribute to our little Grandpa! What a great man.
Lisa

The Robinson Family said...

Rach,
Sorry to hear about your grandpa. What an awesome tribute you made to him! How are you doing? How's Ben? Let me know if there is anything you need.
Jamie

Carr Family said...

What a sweet tribute to your grandpa.

Strange Blog said...

Hi Rachel! This was such a nice tribute to your Grandpa. I remember him from when we were little, and he was a very special man. One thing I will always remember about your Grandpa was how your Mom would act around him, always Joyce seemed really happy around him, and comfortable. It was a very sweet relationship to watch. I have been thinking about your whole family, and especially your Mom a lot. Give them all my best.

Danette said...

Are you kidding me? I don't even know little grampa and I'm over here about to bawl my eyes out. That was sooo sweet. I know how it feels to want to be somewhere and having to just stay put. You have a lot on your plate right now. I was checking for an update on Ben. How are things going? Do you want to make a trip up to see us yet???!!!

Kyle and Jonna said...

Rachel, I am sorry for your loss. He was a good man and has a good family. Our thoughs are with you and your family.

Natalie said...

Sorry to hear about your Grandpa. I teared-up reading your post: thanks for sharing!

Ryan and Melanie and Family said...

Thanks for your note, it was good to remember some of those things. Sorry we missed you at the funeral but we hope to see you soon.

Ryan