One of the most amazing things about writing, I think, is how honest it allows us to be. Even when it’s fiction some elements of truth and transparency weave themselves into what we write. I think we are unable to remain completely divorced from our creations. With that thought I felt like the most important thing I could write/share with you wordsmiths is a letter I am sending to my Grandparents. Enjoy and keep that pencil moving.
To my Grandfather and Grandmother,
Hi guys! It’s been too long since I’ve wrote, and far too long since I’ve seen you. I miss you both dearly. Regretfully the last time I was in Minnesota I was too sick to be allowed in to visit, but such is life. Are you still buried under feet of snow? I’ve longed to see what a winter like that looks like as Dad tells me he hasn’t seen one like this since the ‘70s. On the other side of the coin though, it’s been warm here. The days reach the 50’s, yet it always seems to get far too cold at night still. I guess that’s March for you though. People are starting to get very antsy for the summer days, and are begging for a weather change. I can only imagine in your neck of the woods that sentiment is stronger. Soon enough the seasons will change and we’ll be dreading how hot it is outside.
Due to the warm weather I have been able to get the motorcycle out, and man has that been awesome. I’ve been able to go for some terrific rides already; nowhere special yet, but just getting out is sometimes all you need. To feel the sun warming you as the air simultaneously tries to cool you is almost indescribable at times. There is such a feeling of freedom riding a motorcycle, I wish everyone could experience it. Take comfort knowing I ride as safe as I can and always wear a helmet. I look forward to some trips on the bike and for the nights to warm as well, so I can take the insurance off the car and just be bound to the motorcycle again.
Work is steady. I’ve been promoted to Assistant Manager (I tell people I’m an ass man when asked!). All that really means is more responsibility and stress with a small increase in pay, but at least it’s honest and steady. I see a lot of friends trying to find steady work or just a job in general here in Denver and I know I am blessed. I don’t think anyone would have believed you if you would have said 10 years ago the job market would be this poor. So it leaves us with very little options, either we put up or shut up, and the family I grew up in would only allow me one option.
I hear you are presented with great amounts of people watching at your new place, and that you are making friends as well. That’s great. I’m glad you are finding joy in the midst of this hardship. I am praying for you both. If I could be there tomorrow I would. I’d love to see you and visit you in your new place. I’m sorry that you two are no longer on the farm. I know it’s for the best, and the treatment you are both receiving at the hospital is far better than what could be provided for you in home, but it’s a strange thought to think that the farm is empty. As it is certainly for you, it is filled with many fond memories for me. I remember walks through the fields with the family, picking cranberries in the bog with Grandma, walking to the old stead with the cousins, picking vegetables in the garden, spending days on end out there - and ending the night watching a Western with Grandpa, Grandma, and Erica while eating apples and cookies and sipping koolaid. It was there that my love of the Western began and has fervently increased.
I dream on memories of wrangling loose cattle with Grandpa on the four wheeler while Sheba and I ran on either sides to corner them and lead them through the fence gate. I recall feeding the cats and dogs in the barn with Grandma while Grandpa milked the cows, and getting to feed some of the calves as well. That barn was a magical place for me. The other grand-kids and I would play in there for hours. I remember Erica and I going into the chicken coop to gather the eggs and feed the chickens with Grandma, or how we used to play with the chicks, kittens, and dogs. I wonder how many family meals we had at that big table and a kids table in a kitchen? We used to see how much of Grandma’s strawberry jam we could pile on a piece of homemade bread. Through the years we always feasted like royalty, and I am convinced there will never be a better fried chicken than the ones that were prepared for us. The amount of presents that were opened under the Christmas tree over the years are immeasurable, but the true treasure will be those memories. I can’t pinpoint a favorite memory but one that certainly is on the top of that list took place when I was fourteen.
We were splitting wood for the winter, it must of been one of the last winters you heated your home with wood. I remember Grandpa, Dad, Dave, Mom, and Mike all there working on splitting wood. Tossing. Splitting. Stacking. When we were done, Grandpa put his hand on my shoulder and told me to open the cooler. I did. I then proceeded to hand him a Grainbelt Premium as he set himself on the tailgate of the pickup. He told me to grab another saying, “Today you worked like a man, now you drink like one.” And with that I sat down on the tailgate and had a Grainbelt too. I also remember Erica teased me afterwards when she asked why I was spacey - as I think I caught my first buzz then. It was then, for me, that I knew not only was I growing up but that I somehow belonged to something greater than myself. The family. But all things pass with time, and I know I will cherish those memories the rest of my life. It will be something that no one will ever be able to take from me.
Thank you for letting us run wild through your fields, sloughs, woods, barns, garage, and house. It was here, under your watch, that we your children and grandchildren grew. I’m sure we caused our fair share of trouble, but I believe that to be buried by the joy present. If there is anything I could do for you now, you only need to tell Dad and he will let me know. If you’d like me to come visit you only have to ask and I will get on a plane as soon as I can. I love you both. I cherish you both. I think of you often. I would not be the man I am today without either of you. God bless and keep you, and hopefully I’ll see you before the summer.
Posts
