For Grandpa

It's been a little over a year now since I lost my Grandfather... As most of you know, I was in Iraq at the time and was informed via email. Since I could not attend the memorial service, I stayed up almost all night after hearing the bad news, writing a poem that C. read at the service for me. It was hard to go back to the States, knowing he would not be there. I thought that it would be easier once we got through all the holidays, but I still miss him every day, and especially when I go home to visit my family. As was thinking about him yesterday, I remembered the poem I wrote last year. Re-reading it, I was reminded of how much I have to be thankful for. I have so many great memories with Grandpa. I will carry those with me forever.

Here is the poem I wrote that night in Ramadi a year ago:

What are ya doing, Grandpa? I want to do it too.
I want to be like you, Grandpa, I want to be like you.

Do you need a hammer or screw?
Whatever you need; let me get it. I want to be handy like you.

Grandpa, can I play the math game with you?
How do you divide10,068 by one hundred and thirty-two?
Teach me, please, Grandpa, I want to be smart like you.

Can I come up Grandpa, can I come up too?
I want to see the flying bridge. I want to be part of your crew.
I'll even clean and sand it, and paint the bottom blue!
May I drive the boat? I want to be captain like you.

Can you teach me how to dance, Grandpa, and waltz around the room?
Teach me to follow as you lead, I want to be graceful like you.

Can you teach me about investments and the stock market too?
I don't really understand it, but I want to make money like you.

I watch the way you work, Grandpa, always honest and true.
Can you teach me your work ethic, Grandpa? I want to be respected like you.

I want to work for the Navy, Grandpa, and sail the ocean blue.
I want to fight for our freedom, I want to be brave like you.

I remember as a little girl, putting both feet into your one shoe
Now that I'm grown I know I will never be able to fill them like you
Not much else has changed, though, Grandpa… I still want to be just like you.