This is a prompt I’m stealing from Vernon on Twitter, but thought it would be fun here. I’ll start:
My “Papa” was the best grandpa. He didn’t have much. He was a retired Railroad guy. His wife died when she was 60 (lung cancer). What I really remember though was that he always made the effort to be there and see us. He didn’t miss a single sporting event of mine that I can remember. He was always so incredibly proud of us grandkids. When we would do something in a game, like get a big base hit or score a goal, he would literally stand up, wave to the crowd, and say “that’s my grandson.” Everyone loved it.
Unfortunately, the Railroad and chemicals from it caused him to develop autoimmune disorders in his late 60s. He started losing his eyesight and developed lupus. Yet, he still made it to every game. He could barely track the ball, and watched games with binoculars the best he could. Eventually, though, it was clear he was going to succumb to his health issues. As he was in the hospital, he asked us to all go and pick something from his house we wanted to keep.
I already knew what I wanted. I looked at it every single time I went over to his house. It was a Big Jay Bobblehead, and Big Jay was standing in Allen Fieldhouse. I loved it, and still do. That Big Jay sits in my office and everytime I look at it, I hear my Grandpa saying “that’s my grandson.”
Anyways, Rock Chalk! I’m sure you guys all have some really awesome stuff.
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