[My Wife's] Grandpa,
In my life I’ve never known my own grandfather, but for the last 10 years I have accepted you as mine. Through my wife you’ve shown me what that meant in her life and through my own kids for the last six years you show me what it what it means to be a patriarch. There is a gentle respect and love that comes from you that my kids pick up. The 2-year-old tantrums don’t exist around you and their behavior is better around you. As a grandfather, you’ve pulled the best of everyone around you and I see that in my kids.
Thank you.
You are not perfect, but you’ve never claimed to be. You have accepted your decisions and have done what you can to steer your family away from those decisions. Your humor diffuses, your gentleness softens, and your encouragement opens even the most walled-off and hardest of hearts. I know this, because you’ve opened me up to calling you “grandpa”.
Thank you.
I didn’t know that there existed a place where no one ever says no to you, and people never nag you, and you get what you want, because you only ask for appropriate things. This magical place is known as grandpa’s (and grandma’s) house. Your feelings about me as an addition to your family have nearly escaped you’re eyes with a sob of joy, and in that tiny instance, I wanted to continue to try and be better. You have put my job as a father into it’s truest perspective. How will my work as a man and a dad impact my children’s’ lives, and my grandchildren’s lives, and (in your case) my great grandchildren’s lives? You have become a clear example of what it means to leave a lasting legacy on the world. You children love you. Your grandchildren love you, and your great grandchildren love you (not just the chocolate you leave out for them).
And I love you.
Thank you, grandpa,
Very sweet…I have lost both my grandparents (decades ago) and my parents (in the past 7 years) so I am NOW the senior generation in my small family. I don’t like it, but it’s my role and that’s life so I got over it. ENJOY your extended family EVERY day you have the joy of their company, JB!
This means a lot. Having someone in your life, no matter your age or relation who allows for you to be your best self is a gift. Cheers to you and your Grandpa. I want to grow up to be like him, and pass the muster at your parent conferences too! My grandpa died this year and I got to be with him in his last nights and days. When he could tell I wasn’t following his meaning on one of those nights he said “It doesn’t matter. Your hands are the important thing.” Hold on to that man!