Inspiration Boulevard

When I look at this photograph of my granddaddy, my hero, it takes me back to my childhood when life was simple and sweet.  I remember how he loved to fish and how he was so patient to include me.  He taught me where to find the best bait and how to bait my own hook. He spent hours teaching me how to properly cast.  But that was just about fishing.  He took the same patient, loving approach to everything involving his grandchildren.  He made us all believe we were his favorite.  I remember sitting at this chair listening to him tell stories of his childhood and working in the coal mines and so many things that he overcame in really hard times.  Times that were much harder than what we are experincing now.  My dad was not around much and didn't seem interested in me when he was around.   I am afriad had it not been for my grandaddy's love and daily attention, I would have lacked confidence to do what I have done in life.  I still remember him sitting on the woodpile, whittling and pausing with his knife in the air and pronouncing "Debbi, you are going to make something of yourself, I know it".  That was it. Granddaddy said it, and it had to be true.   I thank God every day for my granddaddy, my hero.