Throughout my life, I have been blessed with three completely different grandfathers. My mom's dad, my dad's dad, and my dad's step-dad. Each one is not even a bit like the other, but all are [were] able to show me very important things in life.
My grandpa Butch passed away when I was about five [I think... I was young so I don't know]. He was my mom's dad, and although my only memories of him are from when I was young, they are all very clear. Almost everyday he came to our house to have coffee with my mom, which is where I argue that I got my coffee addiction. I had tiny tea cups, about the size of a tablespoon, that he would fill with coffee. I thought I was so grown up drinking coffee. :] Besides that, I specifically remember a time when he brought us a huge first aid kit [since Jarvis and I always seemed to be getting hurt]. I am almost 100% positive that is why I love band aids so much. I also can't remember a time when he was not smiling, and I believe that rubbed off on me too.
My grandpa Jim [my dad's step-dad] married my grandma when I was 10. Actually ON my tenth birthday. I am pretty sure that I am not known as a quiet person. I love talking, carrying on conversations, and I am almost positive I even talk in my sleep. My grandpa Jim has sorta taught me the opposite, without even saying anything. He is the sort of man that is quiet. Not mute, just likes to listen... you know, take things in. During times when our family is together, he is usually pleasantly sitting in a chair, or on the couch... just taking in all that God has given him. Without saying anything [obviously] he has taught me a very simple principle, that for me is very hard: "Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
Lastly, my grandpa Larry, who is humorous without even knowing it. He is the protector... telling me ALWAYS to be careful. Drive carefully. The wear-a-life-jacket-at-Wild-Waves-when-you-are-15 type of careful. But I love him to death for it. Besides the constant "Be careful," he saves a special part of this protection for my girl cousins and I. Up until about... well tonight [Christmas Eve 2006] no girl in our family [there are only 3] have ever brought a boyfriend [or actually even a friend] to a holiday event that my grandpa was at. Not because they [we] are embarrassed by our grandpa, but basically out of protection for the guy. My aunt puts it like this: There is a reason God put grandpa in your lives, to teach you who not to marry. He is definitely not shy, and says exactly what he is thinking. For example tonight, my cousin brought her fiance Phil to my grandma's house. As my grandpa was leaving, Phil shook his hand and said, " Nice to see you." My grandpa answered, "I wish I could say the same." Basically it was the funniest thing ever, and thankfully Phil is tough and didn't start crying [joke. like a guy would do that. hah.] But to get my point... he is protective.
I don't know how to end this. My grandpas are cool? Yeah that's good... my grandpas are COOL. :]
Mom