Grandma is ninety four today
Grandpa died young at fifty four
We were all at his bedside
Excepting his last days he held Grandma's hand
He handed her a letter
He was a Mechanic, a fixer, rich in Real Estate
He was an inventor, could fix anything
What he could not fix the invading Cancer
He was not a poet
He was not much of a romantic
But he left this note on his dying bed
It was pitch dark as Wayne and I approached the corner
of 11Th and Donovan. We noticed two giggly girls waiting
to come across the street. I picked up a hand full of Irish
confetti and when it came down it landed at your feet.
You were only thirteen. I said, "This is the girl I will
marry." Grandma's Dad said holding a shotgun. "Not until she is
of age." And he added, "And you have Five thousand dollars to
start your life." You were seventeen and I checked my jar.
Twenty two dollars and seventy six cents. Close enough!
I was out of work, times were tough, I had a fishing pole.
Wife does not like fish today. Said early they lived on the
days catch and pancakes.
Fred was one of the five original founders of Fenwick fishing poles
He made his living buying homes and refurbishing them by his own hands
On the backside of that letter written on that fateful day:
"We now have five children, five Grandchildren and I want you to know.
If I was standing on 11Th and Donovan today. I would love you
the same and wait for you to turn seventeen."
Shortly after this letter was given Cancer took Fred's life.
When I married his daughter I had even less money. Leaving college
I was in debt. I paid my own way without GI Bill. He gave his blessing
his only request I love and support his daughter. I actually made the
pledge the old fashioned way on my knees kneeling before her father
and asking permission. Checked my coin jar I had thirty five dollars and
fifty cents. Three jobs, unloading buses at Greyhound Bus company, Unloading trucks
night at Lasme Freight and sweeping flower at Fisher Flowering Mill weekends.
But our debts were paid. A $77.50 720sq ft apartment in a low rent district
downtown, Seattle. a fix daily paneled ford station wagon an occasionl bus
ride to work when it broke down.
Today, we have two children five Grandchildren all college
graduates or soon well be. Love is more important than money.
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