grandpa roush
my grandfather died 3 years ago. i didn't realize i still had some mourning to do. his mind was still sharp at 88. but his body was failing. i went to see him after the major stroke that eventually killed him. he hated people seeing him this way. i've never been good at getting words out during emotional moments. (my traitor throat betrayed me on my wedding day.) i just wanted to say to him, i don't see a crippled old man worn down by age. i see the fifth grade teacher and principal, the football coach, the man who ran a welding a pipefitting school, the man who built most of his own house, tended his roses, finished the basement in our house, mowed our lawn until i was old enough. the man who helped carve my pinewood derby racers, who was there when my father was in texas with his second family. i wanted to say, most of what i am is you.