Life spans...

I remember how you took my hand when
I was very small and showed to me so much love. How could I forget grandpa?
And as time passed and you grew ill
it was time to offer out our hand
to help you thru it all.
And so you came to live with us and I was only twelve...
You grew stronger and seemed to flourish and I would like to think,
it was from the love you felt since you chose to stay.

Through many years of growing up you watched us along the way. But did you know that I watched you and marvelled at your walk?

Oft times that cane would hinder you
'Toss it aside' ......that was my thought. But I was young and didn't know why it stood close by. Just in case you might stumble .. it was there to rely on.
Much like we do our parents and our grandparents as we grow. Funny isn't it the things we love so much don't know until it's gone...
But like I used to grab your hand
I can imagine momma did so young and then again when my young ones came along.
Some days I hear your chuckle ringing in my ears and when my tomatoes bloom
I see your face all aglow and I remember you in the garden.
No, never met another who could grow 'em quite like you!

Through all those years and with that cane you walked along the way.... Be it rain or shine it didn't matter
up and down the hill you went to run the ferryboat each day.
And for awhile I'd be hard pressed to say who it was My grandpa or grandad who liked to ride the most.

As I look back and picture you with that shiny red car,
Ever ready just to roll and set on cruise....
Yes, and I can remember a time or two when that cruise got us into trouble and I learned never hurts having the marshall as your uncle:+)

But in looking back today the thing I learned the most... was making time for family that very special quality you always had.
Cause often I would hear these words...
Who wants to play a game of checkers or some yahztee... do you have the time?
Care for a game of aggravation, scrabble or monoply... Just bought this deck of cards, want to loose a dime? and I would think, oh no! grandpa's out to get us all. Will I have to play?

Cause seems like mostly you would win and those eyes how they would twinkle 'n crinkle as I would hear you shout....
Yep, I'm the Best, I won again....
No doubt I'm the Best!

Looking back tho, I can see the same twinkle when at times we won. And wee ones too as the art you passed on. So now I know the joy you felt in teaching and in learning. It's always nice to win a game and always nice to know that you taught another and help to mold a young ones mind. But bigger than the game itself comes the loving and the sharing. Then setting down to spend sometime with those you love not rushing or hurrying.

So thanks for always reaching out for always having time..... And you are right, 'You are the Best'
and not just with the name but
your quality in giving with your living made a 'Life span...' of loving
along the way.

With love from my heart to my grandpa
Ralph Lee Best