Good Enough

This is my veteran, my Grandpa Bud. My hero.
We celebrated his birthday last night.
My 6 year old son was proud to know that he had a veteran in the family.
“Grandpa, which war were you in?” I asked him.
“I was in World War II, on a ship called the USS Tucson.” said Grandpa
“Did your side win?” my son wanted to know.
Everyone laughed.
“Sometimes we did and sometimes we didn’t,” was his reply.

He told us some stories. He was in charge of payroll on the USS Tucson. “Were there any perks to that job?”
“Well, no one minded when I cut in first in the chow line!”

My Grandpa said the worst battle he saw was with Mother Nature. There were some storms that even the massive ship he was on could barely handle. He could literally see the ship bending in the storm. Other ships were not as lucky and didn’t survive.

Writing this today I realize there is still so much about my Grandpa’s life that I don’t know. He’s a quiet man, unless something is irritating him. In my 31 years knowing my Grandpa, I’ve known him to be extremely generous, a little intimidating, very tough and hard working, and the hugest fan of my Grandma.

My Grandparents have been all over the U.S. and I’ve been lucky to go with them on some of their travels. I have many wonderful memories of visiting my Grandparents, who spoil us because we are there only grandchildren. That’s why my mom had 7 children.

I’m so grateful to my Grandpa for his sacrifice for his country, as well as all the others that have before him, and those continue to do so today. And for the families that support these men and women. I know it’s selfish, but I can’t help hoping my children won’t become veterans as well. Yet if that is the road is the road they decide to travel I hope they will return home safely like my Grandpa Bud.

Thanks is not enough Grandpa! We love you, we appreciate you, and we’re proud of you!

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