Dear Grandpop

On Friday, we paid our last respects to my grandpop. It was certainly not an easy thing to do, but I count myself as very fortunate to have had all my grandparents in my life for all these years, to have grown up with their influence and to be able to get to know them as an adult. And certainly to have them meet my babies.

Everyone had lots of memories to share about Grandpop, and we reminisced over old photos. There will be so many times we think of him, the very particular and practical and generous man that he was.

So Grandpop, we'll be thinking of you when your birthday rolls around, which you shared with Colter...
...when we hit the road for Maine and pull out your handwritten directions, complete with exit numbers, mile markers, and approved restroom stops; you were the original Mapquest...
...when we cringe as someone says "irregardless" or "I don't think"...
...when we make snack mix and can't stop eating it...
...when we pull out the trains and pizzelle iron at Christmas...
...when the men in the family get a thirst for PBR at 11 a.m. the Saturday after Thanksgiving...
...when we play Monopoly...
...when we mix a gin and tonic or pour a good Scotch...
...when we pass the New Hampshire liquor store...
...when we look at my brother, who looks so much like you did as a young man...
...when we look at Elliott, who has that look as well...
...when we see a special for spaghetti on a Wednesday night...
...when hunting season rolls around...
...when we make lists and organize...
...and so, so many other times. You will be greatly missed, but certainly never forgotten.