I have the incredible responsibility of typing my grandfather's journals this summer. He kept a series of journals, 17 in total, starting in June of 1979. He was in the midst of building the beautiful log cabin on Swan Lake that he and my grandmother would spend the next 28 years living and loving in. The home came to be more than just a place for them to retire: it was the trademark of every grandchild's summer memories. Each summer, my parents would load up their 1979 Datsun pickup with all 6 children and make the 8 hour trek to Northern Montana. My siblings have stories beyond compare of times at the lake, going tubing down the river, games played with the cousins, and so much more. I came on the tail end of things - the 7th child, 10 years after the "youngest" before me had been born. And though I don't share all of their memories, I still remember losing quarters to my grandmother to "buy" back the stuff I didn't put away. I still remember the smell of Saturday morning waffles, the way my grandfather sat at the head of the table making the waffles. I remember sitting on the window seat, watching the birds feed early in the morning. The sound of my grandfather's laugh. Playing horseshoes and always losing. (Gramps was the champ). There were many memories I didn't experience. I was too young to play with the older cousins, needed to stay inside more often, had to be "looked after" all the time. But the lake was still my favorite memory, and remains my most beloved place in the world.Typing up these journals has been an amazing experience. It's like reading a book, but you know the characters, and you've been to the setting.
Later in his life, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He passed away 5 years ago today - July 4, 2007. It seems appropriate. He loved his country: he fought in World War II, being honored with a Purple Heart for being shot in the head. He spent the rest of his days serving his fellow men in various ways. He was the most considerate, loving, genuine man I've ever known. He took care of his neighbor's properties when they were gone, looked after them, was heavily involved in the betterment of his community, and had a genuine concern for government and righteousness. He was an educator, a principal before he retired, and had an incredible mind.
We love you and miss you, Grandpa. Thinking of you today and always.
These are my cousins - they're awesome. This song is dedicated to my grandpa.
