My grandpa passed away last week.
He was 94 wonderful years old and the last living grandparent for both Brian and I. I was especially close to my grandpa and had the amazing privilege of getting to have lunch with him every Friday for the last 3 years. His mind was as sharp as ever and during our lunches we talked about everything from food and weather to vacation plans and presidents. He was a World War II vet stationed in China with the Army Airforce and he worked for over 30 years with Chrysler. Born in Turtle Town, Tennessee he moved to Detroit for work and met my grandma there and they were married for 64 years. She was his dream girl and he was her rock.
I was searching the house for some old photo albums and found a bag of letters I've kept over the years. In the bag are about a dozen little type-written notes from her to me back when I went to college in Virginia.
September 27, 1993
Hi Rebekah:
We were glad you called Yesterday and we got to talk to you. Grandpa got lots of tapes for his birthday and Jennifer got a satin robe and an Alladin pillow. We had hot fudge cream puffs for dessert. I know you would like them. They are a Sanders specialty from our Detroit days. I am glad you are doing all right and will be here in October. I am enclosing $20 so you will have some money on the road.
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
October 5, 1993
Hi Becky:
The weather is just beautiful here. We are supposed to have an Octoberfest party here at Henderson Place on Saturday. I hope we don't have rain on Saturday. We were horrified to hear that Paul had an accident and totaled the car. I am so glad that he wasn't hurt. You be careful when you drive especially when you drive to Atlanta for your break. We hope everything is going well up there especially your college courses [actually I spent most of my time at the coffee shop and the dollar movie theater - sorry Grandma]. I am enclosing $20. We don't like to see you go on the road without some extra money. Be careful and we will see you soon. We are supposed to go over to Robin and Alan's for dinner on Sunday for Alan's birthday.
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
February 28, 1994
Hi Rebekah:
We hope you and your friends got back to Lynchburg safely. We were sorry to hear that you had an accident before you got started [for the record I wasn't driving - it was a friend] maybe it was better that it happened near home instead of on the road. In March you will have more time off and maybe it won't be so hectic. We are enclosing $30. See you soon.
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
November 13, 1994
Hi Rebekah:
We are busy getting some of our Christmas shopping done. We decided to give the grandkids one gift to open and then give you some cash. Your Mom mentioned that there was some kind of cologne that you liked but she didn't remember the name of it. She will let me know later. Aunt Kathleen is doing fine and will be better soon. We are enclosing $20. I know you always have use for money. See you on Thanksgiving.
Love,
Grandma & Grandpa
They were generous and loving and thoughtful. I miss them a lot.
In honor of them I mailed a little note to the unknown college student with Box 22423 and enclosed $20.
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