Grandpa, Tell Me 'Bout The Good Ole Days
Stories he shared of growing up in rural Georgia during the depression, colored my young imagination with vivid events, sparking a lifetime of inquisitiveness. While the other grands wanted to run and play, I found myself attached to Grandpa Henry's side. His presence provided a sense of comfort and security.
Learning about ancestor's connected me to our family roots. We had law abiders and rascals, patriotic military members, horse rustlers and moonshiners, who lived in the backwoods, concocting 100 proof whiskey at night by the light of the moon to avoid getting caught. Hence the name, moonshiner.
He told me about picking cotton from sun up to sun down. It was backbreaking work with little pay, incredibly labor-intensive. Bending and stooping constantly to release the cotton bolls from the prickly plants, he'd pick around 200 pounds of cotton a day. He also worked the tobacco fields.
Our relationship was unique, my brain, a sponge that soaked up everything when we visited. Through his actions and set of values, I quickly learned many important life lessons about love, loyalty to family, responsibility and perseverance. Because of him, some big decisions were made easier, later in life.
Grandpa was probably one of the strongest teachers in my young life and most beloved by people from all ages and walks of life. They naturally generated toward this man who never had an unkind word about anyone or swore. Of course, you could hear a "Dadgummit" or "Dagnabitt" occasionally!
Through the years, our visits were fewer but these things are ingrained in my thoughts, thanks to my grandpa:
The Golden Rule. He said, "Sidewander, (his nickname for me because I approached people stepping sideways instead of straight on), always treat people like you want to be treated, even if they refuse to do the same. You'll be the better person for it." He also told me to put family first and I do.
Thank you Grandpa, I still look up to you, though you now are in heaven!
This is an entry to March 2025 AR Challenge: Sharing The Gift Of Who You Are
Many thanks to the hosts, Patricia Feager and Lew Corcoran.
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