Ghosts of July Past

We had such a great 4th of July this year hanging out with family and others at my Uncle’s house on a lake in GI. It was relaxing to be on the water, not too crazy, Prayse loved running around with new “friends” (she didn’t even try to ask their names, just kept saying “Friend! Let’s go swing!” “FRIEND!! Let’s go jump!” -My little social butterfly.)

I got to relax on the water with my sister and cousins and just catch up. It was nice.

Last 4th of July was the last time I got to spend time with my friend Jon. The next day he got back on his motorcycle and rode back to Florida. 10 days later he was hit on that same motorcycle. And even more vividly, I kept looking around seeing my Grandad. Everywhere. I’d see my Grandma sitting on the beach, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and smiling – I wonder if she saw him too. I bet she did. I don’t know how you couldn’t. I looked over to the picnic table, there he was watching everyone with that twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes and that smile on his face.

I watched my Dad fishing on the dock and Prayse standing right beside him. There Grandad was, sitting in a lawn chair, pole in the water – pulling up a small blue gill, fishing only to be fishing – and enjoying life, enjoying family.

Ahhh Grandad, I know you are enjoying heaven. But we sure do miss you here. I would have given anything to see not just a ghost from my own memory – but you. Really you. Even if I had to stay back a far, to have you here for a second, just a hug, just a kiss on your forehead, one more whispered, “I love you.” Someday. Someday I know I’ll get that. I just love you, so it’s hard to wait.

I love you.