Bob (I never called him Grandpa or PawPaw) was larger than life, being 6 1/2 feet tall and muscular. He was as gentle as he was large, soft spoken and had a great sense of humor. Bob was the center of my world and I absolutely adored him. Bob taught me how to spit like a boy, hammer nails, bait a fish hook, whistle, call pigs and to shoot a slingshot. Grandma Nan (not to mention my very proper Grammy Rose) didn't approve of most of the things Bob taught me!!
I guess it comes as no surprise that every teddy, doll or live animal I had was named Bob...yes, everything I owned that could be named was named Bob! That should give you a hint of how much I adored my Bob. Bob went to Heaven February 3, 1991 and his last words were, "Tell Bar (Barb) I love her." Six days after Bob passed I became a Grandma for the first time and now I understand the adoration grandparents have for their children's children.
Here's a picture of my one remaining Bob doll. Her head, hands and feet are china and her body is muslin stuffed with sawdust. The sweater, hat and booties were mine as a baby.
Memorial Day is celebrated this weekend. Originally it was named Decoration Day, a time to remember those fallen in battle. Since its inception, it has expanded to include remembering loved ones who have passed from our lives. Our weekend will include a visit to the cemetery where Grammy Rose, Nan and Bob are buried. I don't need a special day to remember them ~ they are a living part of my heart.
Bless you as your remember your loved ones and honor their memory this weekend.
Peace & Blessings ~ Barb
Happy Memorial Day Barb! Your Bob sounds wonderful!! I envy the great memories you have of spending time with your grandparents. My only living grandparent, my mom's dad, passed away when I was 4 yrs old and I barely remember him. But I am making great memories with my own grandchildren and those are priceless.
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