My Grandpa Dale was a cowboy.
He was also a man's man in the most classic sense: strong, adventurous, kind, clever, always sticking up for the little guy. Even at 80 years old, he carried himself with that familiar straight-backed saunter and spoke in that booming drawl that took me right back to the days of riding horses with him through Bryce Canyon or playing cards by the glow of a gas lamp.
I last saw him when Bert and I drove through northern Arizona last Christmas. When he came out of the house to greet our jeep, the first thing I glimpsed was that familiar white cowboy hat over the top of the hedge, and I was a kid again.
I didn't know it'd be the last time I'd ever see him.
Losing both grandfathers in the space of three months is not exactly how I pictured the start of a new year. I only wish I could be with my Dad right now. I lost my Grampa; he lost his hero.
Hang in there, Dad.
4 comments:
Wade, I'm so sorry you lost him.
I'm sorry for your loss. Hope you're doing ok, or at least as ok as can be expected.
Nik, I think your trip last Christmas was meant to be! I only wish I could have been there with you.
Thank you, all.
I often described him as a cross between Clark Gable and John Wayne. But he was actually larger than life and bigger than any movie star. When I drove home yesterday, I thought something was wrong... I noticed all the flags weren't flying at "half-staff." I thought they were supposed to be lowered when someone great and important passed away. Well, my flags will be at half-staff for a while. Can a guy have a more wonderful Dad? Wow.. I can't imagine how. Not to ramble here, but when we'd go to Tunica Mississippi and stay in the Hotel-Casino with him every year, it was always amazing to see him interact with the all-black, floor staff. An old guy pushing a broom in front of the slot-machines would saunter near, and Dad would call him over: "Hey, Charles! Come on over here. I want you to meet my son, Wade." And Charles would just beam and smile, and shake my hand. "How're you doin'? Ya' know, yer Dad here, is a mighty fine man. Yes, sir. We all love to see him here."
You see, everyone was the same, and everyone was important, and everyone was welcome in Dad's world. He played Santa Claus for The President of the United States in Vail Colorado, and also played Santa Claus for the forgotten old folks at the River Falls Nursing home... Loving them all, and sharing his joy for life. I could go on and on for hours and days... but I think you get the drift. He was my hero.. indeed. The world is a little lesser place since his departure. We will miss him... in so many ways.
Thank you Nik, for the wondereful words.
I love you.
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