WE'LL BE TOGETHER AGAIN

A classic man goes home.

Granddad, before my father told me with words, you told me without them that you were on your way home. I knew it in my heart but found myself stunned all the same. It seems strange even now that someone so mythic in life and legacy could ever fall to the test of time.

In these final days, I was reminded that you’ve had a real knack for siring storytellers—your sons, daughters, grandchildren, and (surely, as they grow up) great-grandchildren are all evidence of this in one way or another. I read and re-read your words now, and I see where your ink has bled through onto my father’s pages, and in turn, his ink has bled onto mine. I wish I could’ve thanked you for this gift.

When I was a child, you looked as if you were made of driftwood to me, and I see you this way again now. Rigid and stubborn as a tree, but deep and patient, too—smoothed over with water and time. It was your custom to glide in on a wave and up onto the sand to impart some piece of wisdom or share a story, then roll out with the tide again. I admit my foolishness—I imagined you would do this for an eternity. That I would have eons upon eons to write my letters and plan my visits—but it is my lesson to learn and remember now that we are all called out to sea at one time or another and do not return to the shore.

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Granddad: It’s been a couple of mo.s since our contact so here’s another from the other coast. Hi, I’ll guess you get some family updates and know about the new cousins. It’s raining babies right now! Old stuff for me huh? This is a check-in, no substitute for face-to-face but I’m trying to “get with it.” (You May see a long-hand letter sometime)! Love you, Granddad

Alana: Granddad! Sorry for the late response! I’m so happy to hear from you, it really is raining babies out there! I would love a long-hand letter. Love you!

Granddad: Hey Grand Daughter, never worry about responses, I understand the tugs of a busy life and schedules. We do the best we can. I will wind a letter into my activities soon. So happy to hear from you. Back soon, Granddad. Much love.

Alana: Hey Granddad! Thank you so much for the letter and the little surprise inside, reading your words (and a hand written letter for a change!) really truly made my day! I’ll be sending you one back soon! Also, I don’t know if I ever told you, but this portrait of you is in my living room!

Granddad: Hey Alana, it’s now Thursday and I am in a mode to respond to text from Wednesday. Life’s like that. I had no idea you owned such an item but I’m happy you like it enough to hang. Old School clings to some things, like classic tunes, movies (Westerns), etc and cursive, in defiance of trends. That’s just Granddad. ♥️

Alana: Hi Granddad! I recorded this just now as I practiced my new guitar that my dad got me. You’re the one who showed me Simon and Garfunkel when I was little and gave me my first records so I wanted to share. I hope you’re well.

Granddad: Well Alana, aka Granddaughter, I thank u very much 4 a nice surprise. I am indeed well and I hope your CA family are also. I remember the S. and G. records and I’m happy they were a hit w you. The music u sent, w your new guitar, is very well done and I’m happy to get it. I admit unfamiliarity w the art but it has a lot of your essence. “We’ll Be Together Again” (various artists but Sinatra may be good) ♥️

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Your boundless “understanding” of the everyday impediments that sow distance between people might be a family trait—we are an understanding people. But I did not do the best I could, and now, I will remain heavy with the weight of my regret.

Of course, I find myself in a mode—an age, a depth, a wisdom—to respond now. I wish this shift had come sooner, but sometimes, that’s the way things go. I am grateful that you were surrounded by so much love as your journey with us ended. As you embark on your next adventure, I will pen you in prayer, see in you in signs, call you in the wind, and we will indeed be together again.

Love,

Alana aka Granddaughter