Hey Grandpa, remember when I was little and I would come over and jump on you? Then we would sit there and watch Tom and Jerry and laugh and laugh and laugh?
Remember that one time when we were going back to my house for a barbeque and you drove all the way from your house to right across the Spring Lake bridge with my favorite marshmallow salad on the front of the car?
I remember that Christmas when you had a blood clot and they were really worried that you were gonna have another heart attack so you were in the hospital during the holidays.
I remember going to Binder Park Zoo and pushing you around the park area, oh Grandpa your face was priceless when you got licked by that giraffe.
I remember when you made me that blue and yellow crocheted blanket and I slept with it instead of my comforter for weeks.
I remember two days before my 10th birthday when I came through my door and checked the answering machine.
I remember listening to the sirens in the background and the hurried tone of Grandma’s voice, the way my mom crumbled in my arms, the numbing feeling, the tears I can’t shed.
I remember my birthday two days later, the sad silenced that loomed in my house.
I can still see the fake smiles on everyones faces if I look hard enough.
I remember the funeral, the wailing, as I sat there silently in a red blouse, your favorite color in honor of you.
I remember the way I held your ashes in my hand for the last time, and watched them sail through the trees with the wind.
Grandpa, I remember it all.
Eight years later I still miss you. I still wear the ring you gave me around my neck. You are my biggest inspiration. Even though you, my dad, and Grandpa Suchecki can’t all walk me down the aisle like I wanted you to, I know you will be there in spirit. I know you will watch me at my graduation, and I will wear your necklace proud.
I reminisce on these things as I leave your grave sitting upon the rock where you are buried, getting close to you one last time before I leave for college.
