Grandpa’s Smile

Walking down South 3rd in old downtown Renton Tuesday evening. I’m packing a bag full of fresh produce. Green onions and garlic, peppers, some rhubarb and lettuce, and a couple pints of raspberries. I’m on my way to my truck and heading home after the Farmers Market when I feel Grandpa’s smile.

I know he’d be happy I stopped for some real home grown produce and that triggers a scene in my mind’s eye that has played itself many times over the years. I’m a kid standing with my Grandpa by the water spigot in the backyard next to the garden. He kneels to prune and wash his fresh picked bounty and carefully packs the doubled paper shopping bag.

He loves these blessings from the dirt and holds them with care and admiration. He looks up and his face is lit with a gentle smile under his old straw hat. I see a twinkle in his eyes, even through those horn rimmed glasses.


George Fabre circa mid 1930's standing in front of the home he built on Tobin Ave, Renton WA.

“These are for your mom.” He knows she’ll be delighted and the phone will ring in about 30 minutes. “Now be careful going home. Can you manage?” Yes, Grandpa, I’ll make it okay. “Alright my boy. We’ll see you soon.” And off I go, my bike fully loaded, for home.

I jump in my truck and roll down the windows, it’s a beautiful summer evening. I’ve heard it said you’ll live forever, if you’re not forgotten. I’m thinking that's probably true in this case, remembering Grandpa’s smile.

"Where there's conversation, there's opportunity."

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René Fabre

René Fabre
cell: 425-749-9296
rfabre@firstam.com

 First American Title

First American Title
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Posted by René Fabre on 07/19/2012 05:04 PM   Comments (15)   Miscellaneous Topic in the Regional Channel   grandpas smile  
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15 Comments on Grandpa's Smile

JUL
19
510,888 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Awwwww! What a great memory! And I soooo miss the market in Seattle (we lived there for five years). I can't smell fresh strawberries without flashing back to my grandma and summers on her farm.

Gretchen
6:06pm • #1
587,113 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Wow... I feel like I just got caught reading your journal.  Memories... thank God for them. 
6:10pm • #2
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Gretchen: Ahhh... strawberries! Summers hold such wonderful memories.
6:32pm • #3
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

John: Fond memories of a time long gone but not forgotten. My Grandpa was such a man of the earth. He was such a kind man and had such an amazing life. He was ever so humble and of all the things he accomplished in his life, he enjoyed his later years in his garden. 
6:44pm • #4
1,501,363 Points 355 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Rene...

What an awesome memory and a perfect picture of the past. I can see that vegetable laden bike as clearly as if I were watching a movie!
7:05pm • #5
1,929,886 Points 155 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I remember all the fresh produce from when I was a kid. Just bought the house I grew up in and look forward to making a garden again.
9:49pm • #6
JUL
20
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Richard: I remember that bike ride well... Our home was about exactly 1 mile from Grandma and Grandpa's. The last quarter mile was up hill. Not too steep, but a workout when you were packing!
6:28am • #7
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Todd: That's cool. I'd love to own the house I grew up in and have a garden. I'm in a condo, so I'm using my deck and now working on the bay window in the front room. Heard a great interview with a gal that was talking about condo/apartment gardens... I'm going for it!
8:45am • #8
448,570 Points 72 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Rene, I sounds like you have some great memories of your grandfather that are with you throughout your day. Have a great weekend.
10:21am • #9
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Debbie: Thanks for stopping by. Yes, many wonderful memories of a gracious humble very intelligent man who loved his family and friends and his garden. Salt of the earth, as they say! :O) Have a great weekend also.
5:12pm • #10
762,343 Points 69 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What a lovely memory, Rene.  Oh for the days when people grew their own produce.
6:25pm • #11
JUL
21
733,960 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Rene...Our Childhood memories are our history...I too had a great childhood growing up in Victoria...I don't remember my Grand Parents, however my father had a great garden, he loved fresh vegetables from the garden. 
7:07am • #12
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Fred: Yep, and those histories define us. Thanks for stopping by. 
8:49am • #13
JUL
22
709,601 Points 48 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Rene' as you I love reminiscing about my childhood with my Grandparents. I have qui8te a few, but one that sticks out to me most is when he bought me a Big Watermelon and I at  most of it all afternoon:))
12:49pm • #14
357,920 Points 27 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Endre... what a fun memory! The simple things in hindsight are so precious.
1:14pm • #15


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René Fabre

Seattle, WA

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First American Title

Address: 24722 104th Ave SE, Suite 100, Kent, WA, 98030

Office Phone: (253) 850-5230

Cell Phone: (425) 749-9296

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René Fabre is a blogger, teacher, artist, and speaker living in the Pacific Northwest. His passion is the evolving social media environment and how it impacts every level of our lives.

A certified clock hour instructor, René teaches new media marketing for the First American Title Real Estate School of Washington.

He also teaches social media for entrepreneurs and small business in the continuing education department at Bellevue College.

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