"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."
-- Unknown
--

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

I'll never forget...

Weekly writing assignment from Mama Kat: Why won't you forget? List six true sentences that begin with the words 'I'll never forget...' Then use all six of your sentences in a paragraph, poem, or longer descriptive piece.

I’ll never forget your hands – rough from years of hard work, stained with grease from working on cars. The smell of Lava soap. Hands that provided for your family. Hands that nurtured, loved and occasionally disciplined. Hands that once held me upside down by the ankles and shook me when you thought I was choking on a peppermint. Hands that I held this weekend as I watched you sleep in your hospital bed.

I’ll never forget your voice – loud and authoritative, yet somehow comforting. A voice that takes me back to childhood. A voice that told some of the best stories I’ve ever heard.

I’ll never forget your bookshelves – lined with classic westerns. Tales of cowboys and Indians, great loves and bar fights. I can see you sitting in your chair, absorbed in a story. Always reading.

I’ll never forget your smell – a mixture of aftershave and peppermint. Warm, inviting, familiar.

I’ll never forget your smile – though often absent in pictures, always present when watching your grandchildren. A smile of true joy, delighting in moments with family.

I’ll never forget you – the strongest man I’ve ever known. A man who would go to the ends of the earth for the people he loves. A man who taught me that families stick together, provide for each other and never give up. A generous, selfless, goodhearted man who will forever hold a very special place in my heart.

21 comments:

Lynda Lehmann said...

Heather, this is very moving and beautiful and well-written!

He must be a very special man indeed. And you're lucky to have such a father. Not everyone is so fortunate.

Lovely sentiments and a well done assignment!

Kim said...

Heather, this is so wonderful. You need to save it for a special a special occassion to read to your family. You honour your granddad by writing so beautifully about him!

Sally's World said...

this is a beautiful post, i was moved to tears....what a wonderful man!

Diane said...

This made me cry. It's gorgeous. I hope he gets to see it :).

Weird, though... I started working on this prompt and the piece, about my dad, started with, "I'll never forget your hands..."

Great minds :) Well, OUR minds, anyway ;)

Love you little sister! Thinking of you during this tough time... XOOX

scarlethue said...

I lost my grandfather two years ago. He was like a dad to me, as special to me as yours seems to be to you. I still mourn him at least a little bit every day. Sometimes more than a little bit.

I hope yours recovers soon.

Missy said...

WOw! This is very powerful writing! It is great!

H.K. said...

What a beautiful BEATIFUL tribute to your granddad! You are a very talented writer and everyone should have a grandfather like yours.

Kelly said...

What divine timing!! Thanks for sharing with us how wonderful your grandfather is to you!

septembermom said...

What a beautiful, moving post about your granddad! So well written and with much love. You are blessed to have this wonderful person in your life:)

Dan Felstead said...

Heather,
Ditto me on the tears. No wonder you are so close to him...He sounds like everything a grandfather should be. This was one of the most moving blogposts I have ever read. Without sounding cliche...I do thank you for sharing it.

I think I must have unconsciously had your grandfather in mind when I posted a comment on PPP today about the lake. I can see him having the thoughts of the man in the narrative.

Dan

Lacey said...

This got me all choked up. Absolutely amazing.

bethany@sippinsweetteablog said...

Beautiful! There's something about Granddaddy's hands.

Melanie Gillispie said...

I'm typing this through tears. Just like everyone else has said, that was beautiful.

Jenners said...

This was so beautiful and moving. What a gorgeous tribute to your grandfather. I'm praying him and your family. Hang in there.

Jen L. said...

Beautiful post. Keeping your grandad in my prayers. Love you.

Brandi. said...

Wow! That was beautiful. Makes me think of my Grandpa.

You're very lucky to have such a wonderful man in your life. :)

monica said...

What beautiful piece of writing. Checking in from Mam's Losin It.

Denise said...

Beautiful... what a heart-warming piece.

Amy McMean said...

stopping by from Mama Kat's

Your post was very good. It brought me to tears and I'm sort of a hard ass, so that says something.

It's very touching and full of love and memories.

John said...

Thanks for a wonderful touching moment.

Anonymous said...

Heather, you have such a way with words. You nailed it to the T. Just to hear his voice again. I remember the stories, just as funny as the first time I ever heard it. No matter how many times he told it. His voice may have been gruff, but he was a true softy. He always looked out of you little fellows (the grandkids).

Aunt E