Memories: "I love you, Grandpa"

By Clare DeLong, Compiled by Alice Gray, from "I Love you Grandpa"

MEMORIES: "I LOVE YOU, GRANDPA"

Some years ago my husband Wally and I decided that we would
like to invite his father to come and live with us. The boys were
both young---Brian, eleven, and Jeffrey, three. We thought they would
benefit from his stay. Grandpa Marshall accepted our invitation, and
the following September we traveled to upstate New York to bring him
home. There were adjustments to be made from the beginning. Some were
easy, some were not, but because of the love that existed between us,
we seemed to muddle through.

One special thing we have always done every night was to tell
each other that we loved each other. Our big old farm house would
ring with "Good night, I love you," from one person to the next, each
taking their turn. We happily added Grandpa Marshall to our list. In
the beginning it must have seemed strange for him. For some reason
those words were so very hard for him to say. He would tell each of
us good night, but stopped there.

With Brian in school all day, Jeff and grandpa Marshall were
soon devoting much of their time to one another. A close relationship
began to grow. I can remember walking into the living room one day to
find Grandpa sitting quietly in his rocking chair---upon closer
inspection I found out why. Jeff had him tied up, sitting at his feet
with a grin on his face saying, "Look, Mom, we are playing cowboys
and Indians."

I will never forget the night that became more special than
any other. As usual we were saying our good nights. Brian and Jeffrey
were climbing the stairs, each telling Grandpa "I love you," until
finally disappearing around the turn, only to peek back to say it
again one final time. It was then that I heard those words ring out
as clear as a bell. It was Grandpa, he answered back not only good
night but had added "I love you, too." My heart skipped a beat; it
was those two boys, Brian and Jeff, who had touched his heart with
love, and he had responded. From that moment on Grandpa never seemed
to mind saying those words. We could tell it became easier for him
with the passing of time.

Wally's father lived with us for about a year. In that time
we all developed a closeness with a very dear man. As I look back, I
smile and am so grateful for us having had the chance to get to know
him better during this special year of his life. When he returned to
New York all of our visits and phone calls ended with those three
words.

Grandpa Marshall died at 4:30 on a Sunday morning. As Wally
held his hand, his final words to his son were "I love you."

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LORD, we know that life is made up of bundles of lasting
memories. Help us to think back over the sweet remembrances of life
and honor our dear ones, still living or gone. Inspire us to take
time remembering them in our hearts. We love them, Lord, please take
care of them.

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From: jgat777@globelines.com.ph