Gramp

My grandfather's mother passed away when he was five years old; his father left the family shortly thereafter.  He and his siblings were kindly taken in by aunts and uncles who could raise them until they were of age to live on their own--and that's another story.  I had no idea of this until recently when I was reacquainted with relatives who could tell me about his upbringing. 

I knew him as a man who never groused about anyone or anything.  He saw everyday as a celebration and he lived by that  belief--nothing was insurmountable.  He was always a gentle giant and now that I've learned more about his youth, he's grown even taller in my eyes.  I miss you Gramp.