My 97 year old grandfather is finally starting to show signs that he is mortal. I thought that he would always be here on earth. He has been such a constant in my life. I thought he had found the fountain of youth. The fountain of youth would have come from his "grandy" salads, special oatmeal or the shots of rice vinegar he would take. He is still much above average in terms of his health. I regularly brag about him when I was talking to my patients. Everyone was always astounded at all he could do. As I look back at my baby books, my best memories were with him and the rest of our family. I loved being at his house. It was a magical step back in time. It was the perfect grandparent's house. It had a real attic with two arched windows, hardwood floors, and a full staircase. It was an attic that held much history and let the imagination of a young girl free. Outside we could walk along stone walls and discover new paths over the five acres. The cousins could explore the nearby cemetery, frisbee golf course, bayou, and railroad tracks. I planned how I would one day turn the three car garage into a ballroom and host wonderful gatherings. I also had plans for a gazebo along the gardens. I asked that I may inherit the house and turn it in to a bed and breakfast. I was going to lead marriage retreats as couples came to stay at his house. A marriage retreat with dance lessons in the ballroom.
I always felt like a princess when I was there. Not a princess with a fancy dress. A princess that was related to something greater than herself. A princess that loved to help with the yard work, make fires, help with the cooking. A granddaughter of a very respected and honored couple. A princess that was learning how to live a life just like the king (grandy.) A princess of a grandfather who spoke personally with the president (or so I thought.) If you give enough money to Ronald Regan, he will send enough memorabilia to make a 9 year old think that my grandad and him were best friends. A princess that loved taking rides the the Cadillac to get the holiday pies with just my grandad. We would be the first ones up in the morning and he would take me on a special ride. When he is gone, that role in my life will be no more.
My grandad taught me many things. He especially always focused on education and how to be happy after 65. He has a great belief in education, especially the education of women. He told me what he read to improve is vocabulary and then bought me a subscription. He believes a well educated women honors the children she will raise. He helped me pick the first stock that I bought when I was about 14. I still own that today. He took me to an investing conference with him when I was only 16. He always kept me up to date on what was happening in economics. He also believes in not spoiling kids so he only invested in these two areas of the grand kids lives.
My grandad also taught me any practical things. He taught me how to take care of roses with the best care. I learned how to trim shrubs and burn leaves. He taught me how to cut cantaloupe and pick the most ripe. He taught me how to make the best sundaes. He taught me how to be a frugal grocery shopper. He taught me how to take care of birds.
Here I was walking by one of the rose bushes on his driveway.
Easter was always one of my favorite memories at Grandad and Grandmie's.
Here is Grandy holding me in Lake Mills.
An old picture of Grandad and Grandmie's house.
Grandad would always help me get my marshmallow to a perfect golden brown.
I loved looking out the balcony that was attached to our bedroom. We would go for the forth of July and watch fireworks over the river from the balcony.
Here I am watching the train that will always remind me of Grandy.
Here I am crying in the window. Even crying at Grandy's house was more comforting.
I celebrated my first 6 birthdays at Grandad and Grandmie's.
The next two pictures are of Grandy, Tricia, Bryce and myself.
Now here are some pictures from when I am older. Here are Grandad and I at Christmas posing on the stairs of his house.
Here is Grandy biking with the family.
Here is Bryce, Grandy, and Ethan at the Hazen.
Grandy at my first college graduation.
No bonnet this time, but we are lined up for the Easter egg hunt at Grandie's.
Here is my graduation of graduate school. Grandy was nearby, but not in the photo.
Here is my Grandy when he is 90. I was chosen as the one to jump out of the cake on his birthday.
Another Easter picture on the back lawn.
Grandy started a tradition of the morning dip. Every morning at the Hazen we start the day off with a swim before breakfast.
Grandy has taught us all to love nature and enjoy being in it. (Grandy and I are on the end.)
Grandad has always supported family. He hosted all our holidays and always provided a summer vacation for us all. We have so many great memories. We love you Grandy.
Grandy with the great grandchildren at Christmas.
Grandy with his first great granddaughter.
I love you Grandy and I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do without you.
Here is a story I wrote in 8th grade called, Memories in Bloom
"Are we there yet? I 'm carsick. How much longer?" I clammored. Finally, after three hous in a cramped car, we were within 30 seconds of our goal - my grandpraent's house. Tick-ta-tick-ta-tick. The blinker was on, and excitement bottled up in my brother, my sister, and me. "Faster, faster," I shouted as I stared to wave at my gradparents, hoping they would see me three blocks away through a forest of threes. Ahh, my dad turned into Super america for gas. We couldn't handle the tortue so we exploded out of the car, sprinted down the busy street, and jogged by the cemetery while waving our hands. The finish line was marked by two lannon stone pillars in front of my grandparents house. Beyond the pillars stood the Georgian colonial house which my great-grandparents had built. High on a ridge, the house overlooked the Rock River as it had done for sixty years. Big trees bordering the house were large enough for seven cousins to play pioneers in without being noticed. Memories of this home filled me as I burst through the door.
The foyer was just as magnificent as the outside of the house. The staricase looked as if it was ready for the grandmarch of a wedding. Controlling my enthusiasm, I gently ballet danced up the staris so I wouldn't hurt and precious bones of the house. On the landing was the grandfather clock whose chimes nudges us along on our outings. Next to the clock was a window curtained with chiffon made for daydreaming. Two dainty tables with tall candles waiting to be toppled by the joy of wrestling cousins stood nearby. Skipping lightly downstaris, I hurried toward the living room.
Our family used this history filled room for dancing, Christmas plays, slumber parties, games, and celebrations which life would never have been the same without. The ancient couch not only cradled my great-granparents while napping, but also withstood my cousins dust erupting handstands. The piano in the corner voiced the emotions of our families four generations. The youngest plunked out unrhythmical music while my Grandie played her masterpiece, "Malaguana". At other times my Gramie played circus music while we trotted around like exotic animals. The bookcase next to the piano held a collection of literature that dated to the 1800's while a sleek black box stood against the opposite wall. The television was often passed up as a form of entertainment, and our family played cribbage, frisbee golf, and made fruit plates instead.
Through the french doors was a room that frolicked with sunlight, the sun room. The room contained the enchanted toy box filled with toys of th past. "What made the red man red?" was my favoirte song on the record player. Behind the sun-crisped couch were the drafts of our plays of our imaginary lives. A collection of Bramie's old crystal perfume bottles sparkled on the end table. Their lingering scents reminded me of old-fashioned days as I gazed through the wide slat blinds.
The dining room represented unity. All fifteen of our extended family could share the same prayer" We thank you for our family and wish we could always be together in memories to come. By my Gramie's rules we never got the chance to spoil our appetite by snacking so we were all famished. The cranberry sauce and ham looked so appetizing. The nut cups contained what we all craved, gummi bears, swedish fish, nuts, and hersy kisses. We all managedto eat two nut cups by stealing our parent's cups. When we were not eating we would admire the fine collection of china in the glass treasure chest in the wall. Through the lard windows, the outside waited.
Stepping outside, every cobble stone I hopped on made me feel like a princess of the forest. The birds greeted me while they ate the feast set out by my grandad. Three picture perfect rose bushes bloomed, wishing great spirit upon our family. Across the golf-green grass, a stone wall kept me safe from the edge of the ridge. Daring to stand on top of the wall caused paralyzing caution within me. As I looked down to the bottom of the bluff, I saw the glacier like waters - powerful and slow. The wind wrapped around my body while supporting the flag above me. The stairs past the house led to an adventure when I skipped down them. Everytime I noticed something new and never knew quite where the steps would lead me. Thinking I had too far to journey alone, I retraced my path back to the poarch. I entered the house that I shall forever love, once again.
My grandparent's home holds our family history like a legendary fairy tale. When we visit, the moder world has the courtesy to step aside while we enjoy the beauty of a rose, carry out an old tradition, or pray for our famliy.
