Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Grandpa's Letter


So it was my Grandpa Gary's birthday today so I decided to write him a little letter. I will share it below.

Today is February 4, 2009,
Today is my Grandpa’s birthday which makes him 75
Today I am remembering the many memories I have had with him
Today I am going to write about some of these memories

One of the best memories I have of my grandpa is reading Horton Hatches the Egg
What joy this used to bring me as a child as I would sit in amazement and wonder
“How can Grandpa sound just like Mazy and Horton?” Grandpa was the best entertainment.
I don’t think anyone will ever read Horton Hatches the Egg better than Grandpa.

I used to love to go Grandpa’s house and go “exploring”.
Oh the things we could find between, the backyard, the garage, the basement, and Lisa’s old bedroom.
It was always an adventure there and there was always a good place to hide.
We never got bored at Grandpa’s house!

If however we did get bored, that meant it was time to wrestle in the living room.
What joy it brought me to have Uncle Mark pull my underwear clear past my head!!! J
Then Grandpa would come in and say “I swear if you break one thing in here….”
It always ended in us crying and my mom threatening Mark about what she would do to his kids one day.

I have so many memories with Grandma and Grandpa, so many I will never forget.
But there are some memories that I don’t necessarily remember, but that I have been reminded of
Like the time I told Grandpa that I wasn’t going to say “F---ER S--T no more”.
Or the time Hilary said “I don’t like Grandma Gethel but Apey does”


Some of my most memorable times were when we went to Australia,
I loved every minute of that trip, except when Grandpa was infuriated with me
All because we were at the “best seafood restaurant EVER” and all I would try was a burger and fries.
It was all I could do to put my sunglasses on and let the tears stream down.

The time we went to Holland was absolutely unforgettable
Becoming boaters, seeing the Neeleman windmill, Amsterdam and the red light district
When we went to Keunkenhof- the tulip festival, Grandpa wasn’t going to take a rest
He would walk the entire place with Hilary and me.

Of course Brazil was another trip I will never forget.
Paraty-the celebration of the Holy Ghost, Uruguay-best deals ever, Argentina-best steak,
In Brazil eating Jewish food at somebody’s home and wanting to die because I couldn’t be my picky self
Many memories, but mostly seeing my Grandpa in a place that he loves was a special experience for me.

Going to the ranch and the cabin were always the best of trips!
Always stopping at the Texaco to get frozen ice-cream
Always shucking corn, playing games, catching lizards, going to the big rock, exploring, and building forts
Always being free to roam the world!

There are many things we count on our Grandpa’s to do or to be
And these are some of the things we count on our Grandpa to do or to be
We can always count on Grandpa to keep the family together through thick and thin
We can always count on Grandpa to have a trip planned or to call us from some far off country

We can always count on Grandpa to sit on the couch with us and tickle our hands
We can always count on Grandpa to fall asleep but only claim to be resting his eyes
We can always count on Grandpa to give us a talking to and a few threats if we need it
We can always count on Grandpa to have a story or a joke to tell

We can always count on Grandpa to brag about his family wherever he goes
We can always count on Grandpa to have an opinion and not be afraid to voice it
We can always count on Grandpa to make a funny face, start speaking pig latin, or show off his pompous look
We can always count on Grandpa to be holding Grandma’s hand

We can always count on Grandpa to have an idea when we need a job, a paper, or something done.
We can always count on Grandpa to be our bestest friend
We can always count on Grandpa no matter what it is, he is there.
WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON GRANDPA!

There are so many areas of my life that involve my Grandpa and my Grandma
As time moves on and we don’t see each other as often, I do know some things
I do know that I have been very blessed to have my Grandparents in my life
And I do know that I want Owen and me to be the kind of Grandparents that they have been to me

I do know that I have the best of memories with my Grandparents; I wouldn’t trade them for anybody’s.
I am so grateful they have started traditions that will carry on for many generations
I am grateful they have kept this family close, and for who they are and what they stand for
I am grateful that they are they and I am I!

7 comments:

Jana Sorensen said...

That's so awesome April. You're family really is so amazing!! Happy Birthday Grandpa...and the part about Mark was hilarious and I can totally see your mom saying that! ha ha

Jana Sorensen said...

April,
Yes I am going to be there, for sho! I am thinking we should make shirts or something fun! Or is that Gay? I don't know...but I am pretty sure that we should celebrate after we win the championship! Is Owen excited? Tate is...it's great! Anyway, ya I have a trip this weekend but will be back sunday night, so that is good. Love ya!

Kristi Neeleman said...

April,
You are very lucky (as I know you know this) to have such a great set of grandparents. I never had that and it is essential in the family unit.
Felix says hi and still remembers you taking her for rides on the quad at the ranch.

Lane, Amanda, and Mason said...

HEY!! I just found your blog!! I'm going to add you if thats ok so I can keep update:)

Anonymous said...

I loved this post!!! It touched my heart. I really miss you.

mandy said...

i totally remember him reading Horton hatches the egg at Christmas time when we would have Lewis Christmas parties! How awesome!

Lisa Loo said...

You're cute April. Thanks for writing I have so many of the same memories. That's funny my kids love going through my room too. That's why I left so much crap there, to give all the kids something to do at grandpa's house.