Personal Essay
“A Life Well Spent”
When the topic of my grandfather comes up, I noticed a number of stares wandering off into odd directions, with most settling back on me with fright. I’m not the sort for flowery sentiments, but then again, neither was granddad. We shared this mutual irreverence.
Granddad liked his practical jokes. As a pre-teen, he and Uncle Tilly stole a pack of cigarettes off the mantle and smoked as they marched around their neighborhood. But he wasn’t all fun and games, granddad always had a watchful and protective eye over his children. This attentiveness extended beyond his children, there was a time granddad left me alone at the house in Saugus to pick them up a pizza, I Was about 5 years old? Traumatized at the time, I reflect to what happened and this in a way made me the independent women I am today.
William was proud of his family. When my mother played the organ, he was always singing by her side. He never missed my dance recitals. He beamed when I had an article published in a NH newspaper. I believe that article had something to do with the perils of head lice. Standing up against the new rules by the school board, petitioning it, and finally presenting to make a change. He taught to be to embrace life and be proud of who I am.
He was involved. Whether it was Boy Scouts, Rainbow Girls or even volunteering to be a Soccer Coach, my father was always involved and gave 100%. Or being a Soccer coach, you need to understand, until when at last minute my uncle’s teams coach had to quit, I am not sure granddad had ever even seen a Soccer ball. Needless to say, I always put 100% in anything I do, and am always open to trying new things. I have been on student council, sports teams, and student leadership. This man showed me that quitting was not an option.
A loving grandfather. There was nothing he would not do for my sister and me. Like I said I am not the sort for flowery sentiments, so I am going to have to quote...