My Hero

My grandpa is my hero. There's never been a doubt in my mind. I've never known someone so respected and loved by his family, friends and community. He's a WWII vet so I'm pretty sure he's a hero to many other people too.

Until I married Alec, my grandpa was the one loving and dependable man in my life. I hold him pretty high and haven't really been able to find any faults.

So for my grandpa and everything he's done for me, I'm thankful.

Thank you for teaching me how to bait a hook - though I always preferred to weave on worms than to spear a little minnow.

Thank you for not giving me money when I asked for it after my college trip to Cancun. I never took you for granted again.

Thank you for the countless times you changed the oil in my car and making me drive up those ramp things! I was always so scared!

Thank you for hauling me back and forth to my first job at Sonic when I was 15. I'll never forget listening to your tape recorded fiddle music and Armor Alling the inside of your pick-up.

Thank you for "taking care of" that turtle the last time I went fishing with you. He'll never steal someone else's bait.

Thank you for always answering back when I'd say into the radio "Base to unit 1, come in Carl."

Thank you for letting us grandkids play in your chicken coop.

Thank you for never telling me I was playing in a chicken coop.

Thank you for always having mini candy bars in the fridge and ice cream in the freezer.

Thank you for the endless supply of catfish and pecans.

Thank you for telling me to register to vote and then to actually vote! I think of you every time I do.

Thank you for marrying and loving Grandma for 67+ years. You're the inspiration for my marriage.

Thank you for being proud of me and for believing in me.

My grandpa had a stroke last Monday. He had a stent put in his carotid artery and is slowly recovering.

What do you do when your hero becomes mortal? You thank God for giving you the time you've had and for the faith you have.