Our grandfather has finally passed on yesterday. He walked this earth for over 90 blessed years. He left a tremendous legacy and tons of inspiration for me as a writer. In fact, I dedicated my first book of poetry, Liquid Lunch, to him. The photo, pictured left, was the inspiration behind the book. I love the deliberate stare of young Tom, and the look of anticipation before his first cold sip of beer. I often wonder what they did later when they got off duty. See, my imagination goes wild! What can I say, he contributed so much to the man I am today. He taught me that a man should always be a man and take care of his family. He didn't say provide because that's left up to the Lord. He taught me how to tie and fix a neck tie. He taught me how to rake, mow, chop, lift, clean fish,etc. Yeah, he taught me just about everything. I take pride in that because he is the man who also taught my father. This causes confusion among my aunts, who sometime think of me as their younger brother instead of nephew. However, I was Tom's "grandboy," and proud of it. I thank God for his life.
I got to see him, last week when we visited him in the hospital. When my wife and I were leaving, we kissed him and told him goodbye. He could barely speak with all the tubes and his difficulty breathing, but I saw his mouth move. He said, "ok." Ok, grandpa. I'll see you in Glory. Thank you for being a great grandfather and a great man. I love you.
Your grandboy,
Stevie
I got to see him, last week when we visited him in the hospital. When my wife and I were leaving, we kissed him and told him goodbye. He could barely speak with all the tubes and his difficulty breathing, but I saw his mouth move. He said, "ok." Ok, grandpa. I'll see you in Glory. Thank you for being a great grandfather and a great man. I love you.
Your grandboy,
Stevie
11 comments:
Sad to hear about your loss, Stephen!
Both of you are in my prayers.
1Love,
Geoffrey
Geoffrey, thank you for your prayers big bro.
1Love~
My prayers are with you and your family at this time my brotha. I love you guys. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to call.
Stephen, please accept my condolences and prayers. You've been blessed with a wonderful grandfather. I admire the fact that you dedicated Liquid Lunch to him. Hugs.
Stephen,
my condolences to you n family, prayers that you and family given the strength to continue his legacies.
~ seri1832 ~
Dear Stephen, sending love and care to you and all your family. Your Grandpa was an incredible man, a man of strength, conviction, fairness, practicality, faith and a man of love.
I thank you so very much for sharing a little of Mr Bess with me through your writings here.
With sincere thanks and much support,
Michelle, a pakeha New Zealander
Sonia-
thank you so much for your love and support. I will see you this weekend.
Deb S- I thank God that I was able to honor him while he was still alive. God bless you.
Seri-
thank you my friend. God bless you.
Michelle, thank you as always. I know that I have a good friend in New Zealand. I pray we say hello in person one day. God bless.
i read excerpts from Liquid Lunch aloud with a big smile on my face and my best southern accent. in reading those selections and your dedication, i feel this man's soul even though i did not know him. knowing parts of him makes me feel that he is familiar. this is a beautiful dedication and thank you for sharing.
~Taabia
Taabia,
I'll bet you sound real good reading them too. :D Yeah, grandpa was something else. He loved God, family, and life -- in that order.
How are you doing, Stephen?
I hope your grandpa's teachings live long in your grandchildren too.
I have your grandpa's 'influence' here in my room...I kept the poster after all because I like it so much.
Rest in peace, Gran'pa.
GG, thank you for your warm words. I thank God for his life and inspiration. He's one of the reasons I write. God bless his soul. God bless you my sister.
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