85 years!!!

My mom called me the other day to invite me to Sunday dinner with the family this Sunday. I asked what was this special occasion for me to drive an hour to eat at Fatz on Sunday, considering I will have lots of schoolwork to do that day. She reminded me that it is my grandaddy's birthday. Not only is it his birthday, but it is a very special birthday.... his 85th! I can't even imagine 85 years and all the things you can see and do in that time. I have an enormous amount of respect for my grandad and am amazed at how much he has accomplished in his lifetime. So, I have decided that in honor of this special occasion, I will make a trip home to spend some time with the family and celebrate. I can do homework at a different time.

Grandaddy is the only one I have left. He is my mother's father and has always had a significant role in my life, as well as his other grandchildren. As of 11 years ago, our family moved back to mom's hometown and about 10 minutes from our grandparents' house. We see them often, although not often enough. I love visiting them, but before a visit, I always have to make sure I have no plans for a few hours. Once Grandaddy gets someone's attention, he will talk his or her ear off for awhile! Thankfully, it's all interesting stuff. My grandaddy has the most interesting stories, but how can you be surprised when he's had 85 years to build them! He loves talking about how he was a cook in the war and lived in Alaska. He also loves talking about the horses he used to own and how he would race cars when they first came out... and win! I can go on and on about the stories he's shared over the years. Although you can hardly get a word in, you can definitely learn a few things from chatting with him. I am so thankful for the special relationship I have with my grandaddy and I can't wait to celebrate his 85th birthday with him!