My paternal grandfather died at the age of 51 when I was a child. I barely remember him. My maternal grandfather lived into his 80s and was special in my life. When it appeared he was in the process of dying, I decided to write a message to him, or at least my thoughts about what he had meant to me. I had it framed and gave it to him the last days of his life. I was 44 at the time.
His wife, my grandmother, who lived to 101 years of age, hung it on the hallway wall. She said she never walked down the hall that she did not stop and look at it or even read it. Obviously, it meant a lot to her during her remaining 25 years. My question is, were any of your grandparents influential in your life? I wanted to share my thoughts about this man who influenced me significantly. Right, a little nostalgia! I was in the garage today and found it, dusted it off and reread.
March 11, 1981
THANK YOU, PA PUTMAN, for
The privilege of being your first grandson.
Allowing me to spend my early summers on your farm.
Letting me pick cotton in my own bag and feel like I had really contributed.
Cutting my hair when it got long and shaggy.
Keeping “Junior” for me and getting to feed the chickens, cows, and pigs.
Showing me how hard it is to milk a cow—I never learned it.
Letting me sit in your lap and loving me.
Making me feel important and a part of your family.
The ice cream we used to make.
The candy bars from the peddler.
The spankings from you and Bud.
“Ole Doc”, the only horse I ever called my own.
Teaching me how to ride—I never was good at it.
Riding the mare to get shod (I still hurt).
Loving plain and simple things.
Giving me a love for baseball and sports.
Making me proud of my grandfather in so many ways.
Loving Ma Putman and your family—and being a good role model.
Caring for my daughters, your great granddaughters.
Raising such fine aunts and uncles for me.
Giving me a wonderful Mother—letting her marry my Dad.
The times we listened together at the championship boxing matches, and the Grand Ole Opry.
Having so much love for nature, animals, and living.
Giving me a good name, Billy.
Being proud of me, and enjoying my visits and phone calls.
Being someone I have always looked up to and respected.
The joy of knowing you have accepted Christ as your Saviour.
The privilege of spending eternity with you.
So much more that I don’t recall, but know there is.
Making my life richer and fuller having known you.
Love,
Billy
Your friend and grandson
I was named after him. He was Billy P. Putman. So, if you have grandparents in your life, maybe this would lead you to let them know just how much they have meant to you. And if you are a grandparent, make sure they know just how much you love them. Pause and reflect…what do you want your children and grandchildren to say at your funeral?
PS- ‘Junior’ was my pet duck that was misnamed as it turned out to be female.