My grandfather died this morning. There were things that we diverged on–the churches we attended, the politicians we voted for, the sports teams we cheered. There were so many more things that we shared–faith, a love of knowledge and reasoning, joy in time spent together, family dinners, corn hole games, basketball, gardening, cooking. When a man at his church gave him cases of sorghum, he passed them to me because he knew I’d actually cook with it. When his neighbor had a bumper crop of plums, he brought me a bag full at my brother’s wedding. I brought him back some plum cinnamon jam.
I have early memories of driving to Oklahoma to visit him and Memaw on Thanksgiving. That’s always been our holiday. The one that he and Memaw would wake up in the middle of the night to change out the ham for the turkey in the oven. They moved to Tennessee when I was still in grade school and went from a day away to an hour up the road. I have the path to their house memorized. I know where to stand on their steps for the annual family portrait. I know that dessert will always get eaten while the kids are outside playing.
Gramps was a Pentecostal pastor, and I’ve always been Catholic. I remember him asking me one time what I was doing in a picture. It was May Crowning, and I was the one crowning Mary. Looking back, I’m sure it looked like his granddaughter was not only worshiping Mary, but worshiping a statue. What I remember from that conversation is that he asked me questions and respectfully listened to my 14-year-old explanations about Catholicism. There was no judgment, only a desire to know me better.
We got to have one last conversation this Thanksgiving, which we celebrated together even if the food was made by others and we skipped the picture on the stairs. He used the opportunity to tell me that all grandparents are proud of their grandkids, but that he’d be proud of me and brag on me even if I wasn’t his. He told me that he was so happy that I took my mind and have applied it to my career. He told me that he bragged about my academic achievements to his friends. Gramps didn’t have many degrees, but he had a brilliant mind. He loved me, and I miss him.
Caroline Mitchell Carrico 
Exactly. Perfectly said. Gramps could do anything he put his mind to, a trait shared by his oldest grandchild. ❤️
So sorry for your loss Caroline and a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. Sending hugs and love!
Such a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. Sending hugs and love to you and your precious family.
A beautiful tribute to your Grandfather, Caroline. I always enjoyed talking with him whenever we got together. He was so interesting and well versed on so many subjects. I know you will miss him, but, how fortunate you are to have had this good man in your life. Treasure your memories of him.
Your grandfather was truly blessed to have you as a granddaughter and you were also blessed to have such a wonderful, loving, and supportive man in your life. May your heart find peace through your wonderful memories.
I needed this today. I am just really beginning to grieve, and this hit my soul right where it needed to be hit. I miss him so much but I get to visit a part of him every time I see you. Isn’t that a wonderful thing? I love you sweet girl.