Number 95.

I remember September 18, 1996 like it was yesterday. I was 4 and woke up that morning to go to pre-school. I got all dressed and ran across the field to my Grandparents house. I saw my grandpa sleeping in his favorite chair by the fire place and did what I always did first thing in the morning, I ambushed him. I sat in his lap and watched my cartoons and drank my hot chocolate until I had to go to school. 


I didn't understand why my mom was crying when she picked me up later. I got home and no one was around. I ran to my grandpa's chair to tell him I was home, but he wasn't there. I walked into the laundry room and my cousin was sitting on the stairs. I sat down next to her and asked her what was wrong, and she started crying.


"Grandpa died." 


Those words will forever be ingrained in my mind. I didn't know what they meant then, but in retrospect, my grandpa has been one of the most important men in my life. And on the 15th anniversary of his death I went to visit him. I brought him some beautiful flowers and told him how much I missed him. I didn't feel sad though, I felt peaceful because I knew he was in a better place than he ever was here.


I could go into the many achievements of his, but his most important was how well he could hold our family together. He kept everyone in line and he was not gonna take crap from anyone. And for that I greatly respect the man that he was.

I love you Grandpa.