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A Piece of My Heart
By Janelle T. Wehling
A piece of my heart broke on February 3, 2004. My grandfather passed away, and I just wanted to send my essay in as a tribute to him.
My grandfather was involved in many different, exciting things. He was a man who did not waste his life at all. He accomplished big and small tasks, each one worth something special. I had a very special relationship with him because he was the only grandparent I had left in the family that I could remember. This is a man who always made sure that he was around for everything in my life.
When I think of him many memories come flooding back. My favorite memory of him is how no matter what I did, if I was sitting next to him, I was asking to be tickled to death. He absolutely loved teasing me about everything he could. He never let me live down the embarrassing things I did as a child.
All kidding aside, my grandfather was also a very serious and caring man. He was very dedicated to his country, parish and the people he loved. When he believed in someone or something, he gave it his all. He was in World War II and was awarded three bronze stars. He always told me about all his adventures during his time there. One of the things he told me was how he drove around General Patton and Judy Garland. After the war he became very active in the VFW and the Elks, as well as an usher in his parish. He went out of his way to help people, and he left many people behind that adored him. I was always so concerned that I may let him down in some way, but that was never the case with him. He loved me very much, and no matter what I did, he was always proud of me.
I was his only grandchild and his little sweetheart. I loved to just sit with him and listen to all of his stories about his very significant life. He always spoke of his wife (my grandmother) and how he cherished her. Since I was too young to remember her, I was glad that he would talk about her all the time.
He was also a great-grandfather to my daughter, and he absolutely loved her. I was very lucky to have had him spend time with her. Even though he won't make it to my wedding, I know he will be looking over me on that day. If it weren't for all my grandparents I wouldn't be lucky enough for the wonderful parents I have today. They are not only extraordinary parents to me, but amazing grandparents to my daughter. I do not have sad memories about my grandpa, only good ones. I loved him very much, and he will always be close to my heart.