As I was walking the aisles looking for items with which to make dinner on Sunday, I happened to catch a glimpse of an elderly man, standing by an endcap with two ice cream cones in hand. He was looking sort of lost as the ice cream was slowly beginning to melt. He stood, looking about for his wife—however, not finding her in the vicinity, he did the only thing he could probably think of…he began to eat both ice cream cones.
As I passed this man, I noticed that he was dressed in a one-piece jumpsuit—the same type my grandfather used to wear back when he was alive.
As I walked to the bread aisle, I found myself wishing that I could talk to my grandfather—I thought of the expressions he used, the kindness he showed to everyone, and his understanding, gentle nature.
I miss my grandfather.
11 comments:
I loved the image of the gentleman eating both ice cream cones. I miss my grandpa (and my dad) too. I see them in the faces of others all the time. Sometimes it makes me smile, sometimes it makes me melancholy, sometimes it makes me sad.
If you don't mind my saying so, he sounds like his grandson...
“the kindness he showed to everyone, and his understanding, gentle nature.”
Anyone who got to know their grandparents are very lucky people. Both my grandpa's died long before I was born. My dad's mom had severe dementia by the time I was old enough to know her (we lived in another state too). My mom's mom reverted back to her native language (Czechoslovokia). I learned a phrase or two but that's it.
My kids are sooo blessed. Both sets of grandparents are still alive and chasing them around the house (Both sets live out of state though).
Loved your description of the guy. Sounds like my dad. He use to wear jumpers (he was a mechanic). My dad always looks lost - lol - even when we're standing 10 feet away.
Now my dad looks so much like his father, but it just makes me miss them both more--my grandfather because he's gone and my dad because it's getting closer and closer.
now thats "movie ishtyle" as we say in India...
i never really got to know either of my grampas.. One passed when i was a kid and the other was... kinda scary... so we cousins just kept our noses clean around him....
i have awesomely cuddly grammas though!!even though im taller than they are now, i still pretend to jump ontheir laps when i go to see them.. its so funny when they yell" get this elephant off me!!" ( in Hindi ofcourse!)
Awwww You made me cry at work!!!! Grandpa and Grandma and Cocoa kitty are probably eating ice cream cones right now! I remember grandpa would just yell out Mama bear, mama bear. I miss him too!!!
I've been thinking about our grandparents a lot lately. I met a sweet little gal at Swiss Days this year who needed help getting to her car. Talking with her as we slowly walked I found myself missing my grandmababy so badly...we used to talk and talk for hours about everything. I miss those long conversations and I miss how grandpababy would tug on my ear whenever he'd walk past. I can't understand why so many of the younger generation feels like its a chore to have to spend time with their grandparents.
I have been thinking of my grandma a lot lately. The kids and I were really close with her. It is funny, because Shanny has been talking about all the fun things she remembers about my grandma.(Great Gramma to her) I use to love to hear grandma and grandpa's stories about the "Olden Days!" The kids remember them, too!
Grandparents really have an impact on us, don't they? I miss them...
KJ
Like Kris, you made me cry at work!
I thank God everyday for the parents given to me and what a blessing they were to my children and many others as well. I see people at work all the time (here at the clinic) that remind me of them. Older couples, helping each other, inseparable. I think about them everyday. Thanks Jason, thanks Kris!
What a perfect photo, Grampa and Cocoa too.
That is a wonderful photo!! I miss grandpa so much, and like mom and Aunt Kathy, I'm crying. Grandma and Grandpa were the most amazing people, and if I would have seen the sight you saw this weekend, the man with his ice creams, I would've thought of grandpa too. Anyone in one of those jumpsuits makes me think of grandpa...and hats like the one he used to wear. There is a man at my care center that has a ton of hats, and I bought him a plaid "ivy cap" that made me think of Grandpa Scott. Thanks for sharing your story!!
Gerb - I know what you mean. It makes me want to spend more time with my dad, before it's too late...
DV - Thanks. I can be that way sometimes, but not always...my siblings would probably be the first to admit that.
FS - I'm happy for your kids...that is a great opportunity.
Diane - Squeeze as much time out as you can while you can.
GG - Grandmas are great too.
Kris - I forgot that he called her that.
Shoe - It was great that you had the opportunity to have that experience...I hope you wrote some of it down.
KJ - They really do. When they pass on, it reminds us that it will one day be us.
Mom - It's one of the only photos that I have...at least that I could find, but one of my favorites. You did a great job taking it, Mom.
Uncle D - Those hats...makes me smile too. He used to think he was all that--and I guess he was.
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