Reflection

I write this post fighting back tears ... Remembering the past is sometimes hard but it also brings back the good memories. We just came out of Memorial Day weekend and I remember this weekend most because we lost my grandfather on Memorial Day of 2004, he had just turned 95.

<<---- this shot is from around 2000. He was very proud of the Maple tree in his front yard.

He was an amazing lost soul. He was the only grandfather I knew because my dad's father died prior to me being born. I was his only grand-daughter. They lived in a small northern Wisconsin town called Eagle River, commonly known as "Up North". We spent our weekends and I lived every summer growing up in Eagle River; I almost consider it my home town away from home.

Grandpa took me fishing at the "T-docks" and I usually caught enough sun fish to make me happy until the next week. He would tell me stories of working in the CCCs, logging in Alaska and he would show me his coin collection.

On the outside he was weathered and war-torn but on the inside he was the kindest, most gentle man I've ever known. He always wore suspenders and carried his pipe wherever he went. That sweet, strong smell of tobacco was always around him. At this time every year I can smell it when I remember him. It surprised me a little this year because I was just sitting on my couch watching TV and it hit my nose; and then again the next day while driving my car. That tobacco smell is my way of reflecting on this wonderful life that has passed before us.

You will forever be remembered gramps. I miss you.