Brian has wonderful grandparents. They are crazy, wacky, fun loving, upbeat, positive and loving. We all love every second we spend with them. Grandma always has a craft for the kids, their favorite treats on hand and the patience of three people. Grandpa loves to tell jokes and stories. Grandpa and Grandma were a huge influence on Brian growing up and I think he is truly blessed to have people like that in his life.
Grandpa is a World War II vet. He was stationed in Belgium and was a barber to the troops. He always shares the story of how hair cutting scissors over there did not have the pinky grip on them. Grandpa couldn’t cut hair as well without one so he made one, welded it on to the scissors and pretty soon, all the European barber’s were welding one on their scissors. This is the only story he shares with us of his time in the war. The rest of the stories are ones he does not want to talk about, and I think, remember.
Before he was drafted, Grandpa and Grandma were in the process of remodeling a building they had just bought into a barber shop out front and a pool hall in the back. It was neat to watch them both reminisce about this period in their lives – how much they had planned out for the life in their new business venture that they would work together. They sound so full of hope when they talk about it. All of that came to a halt though when Grandpa was drafted.
Grandpa was gone for nearly four years, he came home to a four year old daughter that he didn’t know and he came home having to get a job instead of opening their own business. Their dream gone, his daughter almost ready for school, and him left with stories that he can’t tell. Could you give up four years of your life? Could you give up your dream and that of your family’s?
On Remembrance Day, I think of his sacrifice.
And to my cousin Nathan, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, I think of all you are sacrificing to help those who don’t get to dream at all. Today, I wear my poppy in honour of you and all you have given up to be where you are.
