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Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

0 posted 2002-02-27 02:26 PM

Grandfather's Gifts

certain memories
of long trips to L.A.
although we once lived there
I only remember
visiting when we
had to travel so far
and when I would
see the huge Donut
I knew you were
just a few blocks
away…the Donut
sign was my landmark

"Grandfather's close"

all I have are photographs of
when you held me,
the rest of my early memories
were of you in a wheelchair
or in a bed

but I remember your garage,
your work area…so neat
so clean, so "principled"
for you had that kind of mind

I loved to listen to you and
my dad talk softly

I recall the phonograph
made with your hands
from bits and pieces
and all of my 45's
sounded as well as 45's
could sound
back in the 50's
but your talents made
them a symphony

there was a favorite place
in a cabinet in
your home
that held little treasures
for when we visited

I loved best the
hand puppets of
Kukla and Ollie
they were so soft
and fit my hand so well

then you and I
would watch "I Love Lucy"
until you were too tired
to hold me on your
short lap with no
legs

gangrene had set in from
a small cut
on your ankle
and they ended up taking
most of your leg ~

it was eventually
what took
you away from
any grownup memories
you and I might have
shared

there was a favorite
area in your home where the
blinds let in light
so dust motes could
dance,

and another favorite
area outside between
the brick wall and ivy
green leaf blanket that
afforded a little
blonde haired
girl
a place to play and
make mud pies and use
snails as walnuts.

So, Grandfather, although
I had chickenpox the summer
of 1961 when Mom was
running back and forth,
181 miles from our
home to your hospital
and she had to tell a
sick little girl that
her granddad had
died,

what I remember is a
hand made record-player,
Kukla, Fran and Ollie,
I Love Lucy,
mudpies and snails,
the smell of your
aftershave,
and
dust motes
of dreams.

In Memory of Charles Givens

08/31/00

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

1 posted 2002-02-27 02:29 PM

Ahhh found it! This was simply lovely and a real tribute to your Grandfather. I had to smile as Tori rounds the corner, sees the steeple on the school and says, "Yeah, we are almost to Gramma's house" and it feels good I tell you, really good. You never know what impression you leave with children do you?

~* Imagination is more important than knowledge *~

Einstein

[This message has been edited by Mysteria (02-27-2002 02:31 PM).]

Sunshine

Administrator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-06-25

Posts 63354
Listening to every heart

2 posted 2002-02-27 02:39 PM

Leave good ones only, my friend...for you are in the middle of making memories...

RosePetal

Member Elite

since 2001-08-26

Posts 2985
South Florida

3 posted 2002-02-27 02:40 PM

awww what a heartfelt write for your grandfather! I miss my grandfather so much, he lives in a different state and we haven't seen eachother in years! He is 78 years old and he is going senile, plus he is hard of hearing so it makes it hard for us to talk on the phone. So now I just send him letters in the mail

Cpat Hair

Member Patricius

since 2001-06-05

Posts 11793

4 posted 2002-02-27 02:41 PM

very fitting tribute...and a very well written poem...

nice work...

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

5 posted 2002-02-27 02:48 PM

Karilea

Beautiful memories for you of California...the donut is familiar, as is that little girl. Are you sure I didn't live next door?

Irie
Senior Member

since 1999-12-01

Posts 1493
Washington State

6 posted 2002-02-27 03:03 PM

Sunshine,

I just have to thank you.
You brought back memories of my Grandpa that
I haven't thought about for a while.
I also had land marks and knew when I was close.
We made mud pies too!

This is a wonderful tribute to him.

~Sheri

"The things that come to those that wait may be the things
left by those who got there first"

[This message has been edited by Irie (02-27-2002 03:04 PM).]

Victoria

Member Ascendant

since 2000-08-12

Posts 5869

7 posted 2002-02-27 03:05 PM

This made me think of visiting my grandparents when i was young...i really enjoyed reading about your fond memories sunshine..hugss

~Victoria~

Mistletoe Angel

Member Empyrean

since 2000-12-17

Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon

8 posted 2002-02-27 04:16 PM

(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh my gosh, this is soooooo beautifully touching, sweet friend, my heart cries out to your loss when you heard it so suddenly but I'm also so happy you remember so much of him and these memories of love will forever shine in your heart! (kiss on cheek) We all love you so much, sweet friend, you are a delight to us all, this is a fabulous tribute! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Karilea, thank you for sharing!

May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

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