Simon Skinner's Collection of Random Short Stories

Wayne

This short story is about a person who started as a man, but ended as a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, and a role model. He was a fan of cars, guns, drawing, and music which he passed down to many of his children and grandchildren.

He may have passed away, but he lives on through all of us.

I am his grandson. Sometimes my mom tells me I'm just like him. And I hope that maybe we're like the same person because I won't have to worry whether I'd be a good husband or a good father. I remember during our talk circle in my drama class. My teacher asked us, "If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?" A lot of people said they would like to talk to a famous philosopher or some celebrity. Instantly I thought I'd want to talk to my grandfather. It was easy because I always think of him. He died when I was 10, so I didn't know him as well as I'd like to. He was the tall guy on the rocking chair to me because I was just a little kid. Now I hear all these stories about him from my mom and what an amazing person he was and it makes me wish I talked to him more. My mom always explained how he was so funny, talented, and he knew a little bit about everything.

Now he may not be on this earth anymore, but he isn't gone. My mom misses him probably more than anyone and I know that he lives on, not only in us kids, but in her. So how could you be sad when he's right there within you?

He raised such an amazing, loving, strong, beautiful, daughter and I don't know how much I can thank him for giving me such a mother like her. I mean if it wasn't for him, I wouldn't have six siblings, three nieces and a nephew, a yellow beagle, two cats, and a great mom. Heck, not even my dad would be here. Not even I would be here...

The world my have some bad parents out there, but I can happily report I have great parents. And great parents come from great grandparents. You have to be one heck of a grandpa to have one his grandkids writing about him seven years after he died.

Now I see pictures of him all over my house. His drawings and the things he passed down to us. He must've been quite the guy because everything about him has some part in his kids and grandkids. The fella loved hunting and my brothers are definitely into that. He loved to do art and I can say my mom, my sister, and my brothers all actively express that. He also passed down the love for cars which I think most us fellas received, but I know all of us have his love for music. He played guitar and so do three of us.

And one of my favorite things is on my grandfather's birthday my mom always buys a balloon for him and he always takes it right into heaven with him. I remember watching the balloon go up for a while wondering what life would be like if he was still on earth. I bet my mom could tell me.

I can't wait to be up in heaven with him because I know he's going to tell me the most epic of adventures.

I love you, mommy!

And I love you too, Papa!

I hope you Rest In Peace, Papa, you deserve it. Thanks for the best mom anyone could ask for. Happy Birthday, Mommy! 🎁🎊🎂🎉🎈