Sunday, January 25, 2009

About my other grandfather...

A while back I posted about my grandfather -- my mom's dad -- and what a special relationship we had. Well my other grandfather was very special to me, too. He was a World War II veteran and one of the "Greatest Generation." He must have seen some real atrocities in that war because he never would talk about it. I am really sorry about that now that he's gone, as there is so much I'd like to ask him about his experiences. Because I was very much a surprise to all my grandparents, and all of them were at a young age, I am sure it was not an easy thing to be a grandfather so young. But he loved me and had his own special name for me. When he would hear me coming he would smile and call out, "There's my little squeegee." (It was only many years later that I learned what a squeegee is, but I always think of him when I hear the word.) He sang in the choir and was in church every Sunday for as long as I can remember. He had a lovely voice, and I would often walk in to hear him singing a hymn.

When I was in elementary school, he realized a dream he had held for a long time. He built a pond just a few miles from town so that he would have somewhere to go fishing when he got off work each day. As time went on, he made improvements to it, such as adding a couple of piers and a boat dock. But the dream was not just about the pond, and a couple of years later he began to build a cabin there. It was a two bedroom, one bath "camp house" with large kitchen and den great room and a huge porch. It had a basement and a patio under the porch with a couple of porch swings. He loved this place, and it became his haven. He tended the fish, tended to the landscaping, and just generally put his heart into it. It truly became a beautiful place. I loved to go out to it particularly when I was in junior high school. I wasn't much for fishing, but I would paddle around in the boat, or find a spot to read, or just go for a walk... all the while enjoying the beauty of God's creation.

Now that my grandfather isn't with us, the lake has passed on to my father and his sister. It is there for all of us to enjoy, but it holds such beautiful memories for us all of my grandfather and how much he enjoyed this "dream come true." Each time I am there, I expect to hear him singing or whistling a tune... and I can almost hear him call out, "There's my squeegee!" For Christmas this year, I did a sketch of the place for my dad, who was very moved by it. I gave a print of it to my brother who happens to live just across the road and around the bend from this place.

12 comments:

  1. Beautiful story! What a treasure you have just drawn. I love your artwork. I'm continually stunned by its beauty. Thank you so much for the comment you left on my white post. I will treasure it. Victoria magazine was my very favorite in the entire world and I miss it terribly.

    Hugs!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is an amazing dream come true.
    You did a beautiful job at capturing such a treasure of a place for you and your family.

    Wonderful legacy your grandfather has left you in more ways than one.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Awww, Christi, what a great story. One of the things about grandparents and grandchildren is that very special connection they usually share; those memories of love can carry us through our entire lives. I'm sure that you can retrieve them whenever you find yourself needing them.

    What a great dream your grandfather had and he DID it. That's what makes it extra special. I'm glad that it's still a part of your family.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Another beautiful sketch and what a great place to have to be able to go and visit.

    Again you were very blessed to have such good Christian Grandfathers.

    Thank y ou for your lovely and encouraging commets. 'secret out'! There are lots of art projects on my blog under My Art. I am not the artist that you are though, I just dabble with different things although I was awarded an art scholarship when a child.

    ReplyDelete
  5. A beautiful sketch tracing beautiful memories in each line. No wonder your father was moved.

    blessings to you,
    Lorrie

    ReplyDelete
  6. A beautiful sketch and a wonderful story to go along with it too! Thank you for sharing this.

    Blessings,

    Sher

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great story. Very nicely put. That is what I call taking a trip back in time. Thanks for sharing it with us all. Strider

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Christi,

    I had tears in my eyes reading your post. Your grandpa is looking down and thanking God for a granddaughter like you.

    many hugs,
    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have such a way with architecture Christi...I think this drawing is one of my very favorites actually.

    Lovely, touching story about your grand father.

    Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Christi!
    What a wonderful, wonderful story!! I could feel the love you had for your grandfather in every word! It was a a very sweet tribute and I know he would be proud of you today.
    Lots of Hugs,
    Bebe :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. You have not been posting Christi so I hope all is well.
    Blessings
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  12. Christi, what a wonderful story. I was very moved by it and what a wonderful granddaughter you must have been to your grandfather. I am sure you dad just loved your drawing. Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete