Grandpa....

My Grandpa Ries passed away last week at 89, I believe. He had lost a lot of his memories already and so the last time I saw him, about 2 years ago, I dont think he really knew who I was. One thing I can say about my Grandpa is that he was always quick to smile. Even when he was looking at me and not really sure who I was, he was grinning from ear to ear. This is what I will remember the most about him.

He was a strict man and had his expectations of people but what a loving soul he had. Children loved him and he them....he was a good man. I am going to miss him and wish I had been able to see him more often. He was buried today and I wish I could have been there.

According to my parents my first word was "Gunka" which is what I called my Grandpa. This is me at age 2 probably getting ready to wake my Gunka up. It is one of my favorite pictures.

We always loved to pat his bald head. I dont think I have ever seen my Grandpa with hair...not even as a young man. I hear he lost it very early in life. He was in the Air Force and was buried in the Veterans section of the cemetary. He took good care of my Grandma and was content to sit back and let all of us gab away...not saying much but throwing a grin and a story in when he could. I dislike the fact that I am growing old and losing loved ones, but I suppose that is the way it has to be. Sure do love you Grandpa.....