Comments on: Double Exposure

By: prairieflounder

prairieflounder — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:17:54 +0000

It seems that our grandparents were made of sterner stuff.
In 1988 I had the privilege of introducing my son to both my grandfathers. Until that day I didn’t really know the meaning of choked up. There is a photo of this event in the guest room. I am saving it until the day my son moves away from home, he will take the photo with him to pass along to the next generation.

Thanks for the memory.
-pf

By: Progressive Conservative

Progressive Conservative — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:21:46 +0000

Great story TP. It reminded me a lot of by grandfather. There is an interesting bond between grandfathers and grandsons. My grandfather was a former policeman, the best story-teller I knew and a bear of a man that I was terrified of and loved at the same time. I was lucky enough that my oldest daughter got to meet him and still remembers him. We share great memories of him.

By: nathaliewithanh

nathaliewithanh — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:30:33 +0000

Your grandpa was called Short Stack? What a strange family!

Lovely story. Your father must have had it pretty rough to go to this extreme. Great motivation to get sober too. I wonder if your grandpa would have ever stopped drinking if it weren’t for his desire to meet you.

I’m currently reading “A Wolf at the Table, a Memoir of my Father” by Augusten Burroughs. I’m not very far in the book, but it seems your dad may be able to relate (hopefully in a mild way!)

By: razzbuffnik

razzbuffnik — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:03:07 +0000

You’re right about the photo. It seems to be showing how ephemeral our lives are.

I’m reminded of Shakespear’s “Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more.”

We all come and then go whilst most of us try to do the best we can while were here. I’m sure your grandfather did the best he could with what he had. Who knows what reasons drove him to drink?

I think you’re lucky to have such good memories of your grandfather. I wish I could say the same about mine.

By: sweetiegirlz

sweetiegirlz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:07:39 +0000

~~”On some level I believe that my Grandpa was hoping to make amends with his son by being so good to his grand son. From the perspective I have, I’d say that he achieved it.”~~

Omg, I can so relate to this, Only it was my grandmother and mother. I also named one of my kids middle names after my grandma!

Your post gives credence to the saying: “Time heals all wounds”