Grandpa
I miss my Grandpa Kelly today.
Grandpa was a cattle rancher. He drove an old yellow truck and herded cattle. My grandparents lived in a simple and lovely home next to the land they farmed.
Grandpa seemed to me to be a stern man. He didn't talk a lot on our visits, and at times seemed a bit gruff. But he had a tender side. I loved to see him smile. At times he would gather us children around and tell us a story or recite a poem from memory. On special days, he would hand out silver dollars to us. I treasured them, and still have a few.
The only time I remember seeing Grandpa get teary-eyed was when I came to say good-bye before heading to Russia. I was twelve years old, and would be taking this trip with my sister and her husband. Grandpa was worried about me, heading across the world to a country whose safety he mistrusted. His eyes filled with tears for a moment and he told me to be careful. He then took out a little wallet, and with his shaky hand, put a hundred dollar bill in it and gave it to me. What a beautiful sacrifice that was, and I will never forget how poignantly I felt his love that day.
I love you, Grandpa!
