Happy Birthday, grandpa!

My maternal grandfather died about nine months before I was born. Today is his birthday, and I find myself thinking about him and missing him, even though I never knew him in person.

I bear his namesake as a middle name, and I've always fancied myself close to him because of it.

When I was little, someone told me that maybe he and I passed each other on our separate journeys to and from the spirit world. Since my mom says the first time she really felt me kick was in April, it could very well be. Wouldn't that have been something? I can imagine him saying "Take care of my family, okay? See you soon!" How grateful I am for belief in a world beyond this mortal realm where I will be able to meet him again face to face and feel his arms around me. I hope he'll be proud of me. I hope he'll smile and tell me how much I look like my mom, how much he wanted to be a part of my life, how much he has been a part of my life through the veil.


I love seeing old pictures of him and hearing stories about him from my parents. My grandma once told me that he loved children so much. She said he must be so sad to have missed out on all the grand kids that came after he died. She patted my head and told me "He would have loved to know you." Especially today, I would have loved to know him. I find myself occasionally thinking of a phrase he used to use with his children "I have a bone to pick with you." And for a moment, my frustration with the person (usually a student) is lessened by my tender memory of a man I never knew. Thanks, grandpa!

So, happy birthday, Don True! I hope you have found joy, peace, and happiness in the next life. I can't wait to meet you!