SOL: Stanzas of Life

This stanza will be unlike any other that I have previously written. No alliteration, corny puns, or technical terminology. I have officially entered the era of adulthood as a 21-year-old. With more responsibility comes more gratitude. This post and the next will share my personal reflection on the impact my grandparents have had on my development. I am incredibly thankful to have three sets of living grandparents. My dad’s parents separated many years ago and both have happily remarried.

Each one of my grandparents has their own talents and life lessons to share. My grandparents provide a rich understanding and outlook on life from 70+ years of experience. Their knowledge, memories, and stories always seem to captivate my attention. It is further interesting to reflect on the parallels between my parents and my grandparents (a future post, maybe).

This will serve as the first post in a series of letters to my loved ones. Let’s begin with my grandpas.

To my grandfathers: Leroy, Joe, and Tompa,

Thank you. Your presence is a gift. I cherish all of the times we have shared together. Our moments of laughter are abundant. Leroy and Joe, while you’re both snowbirds escaping the Michigan winter weather, you share similar interests. Leroy, you’re a card enthusiast from “Wizards” to “Skip-Bo”. You may be a simple man, yet you’re a true American farmer. A McDonald’s cheeseburger and large soda will suffice for lunch. Chain restaurants and appetizer specials are frequent hangout spots with friends during the week. Checks and Hallmark cards are your go-to gifts for birthday’s, holiday’s, and other major celebrations. You’re a biker, yet your body aches from your laboring farming days. The series of medical operations you have undergone have oiled the mechanical gears that crank you into motion today. Your life has been filled with challenges, hurdles to jump over, and fields to plow. You have remarried several times and have a large extended family. Leroy, you make an effort to support and see each family member at least once a year. Thank you for teaching me a brunch few recipes (Bran Muffins, Devil’s Eggs, Eggs Benedict, etc.) over the years.

Joe, you’re an outboard motor racing collector and a skilled repair man. Your passion for guns, outboard boats, and historical wars is evident. You appear as a hard cookie from the outside, yet as our relationship has developed, I have been fortunate to see your soft center. While your hearing continues to present a challenge for many newcomers, you are getting better at reading lips. I’m glad your vision has not gone as fast as your hearing, because you would not be able to see my sister and I grow up to become the man and woman we are today. Thank you for being a teacher. You have taught me the importance of gun safety and have showed me the ropes in the machine shop. Both you and Leroy live in a farming town, away from the bustling cities and light pollution that engulfs my world. I have enjoyed the scenic escapes and summers spent with you, making blue fire and feeding the local horses with Jock.

Tompa, you’re a fantastic bowler, golfer, and euchre master. A genuine class clown, you’re a handyman at heart. From constructing my bed loft when I turned ten to building a little library for my mother, you have a talent in woodworking. A craftsman, mystery book reader, and insurance salesman by day, you have a knack for people. You have interpersonal intelligence or simply people smart skills. You’re a world traveler. You and Grammie have touched each of the seven continents, including Antartica. You challenge my global outlook and encourage learning through experiences. Thank you for taking our family to Africa two years ago to celebrate Christmas. Over the years, I have saved a few of your humorous lines. Here’s my personal favorite:

“Oh balls, said the Queen. If I had balls, I’d be King.”

Leroy, Joe, and Tompa, if there was one lesson that you have instilled in me it would be to enjoy life and all of the obstacles that come with it. 2020 is a fitting hurdle and one of many to overcome. We are still getting through this pandemic, and I am grateful to have each of you present in my life. Thank you again for being role models, mentors, and leaders who have not only taught me but many others. You continue to touch the lives around you in ways that you may never recognize. Your kindness and support is appreciated.

With love,

Dawson – “Stanzas of Life” creator