Jewells of Thought

February 4th, 2020

The week of 2020 when I originally wrote these articles was very quick. I literally wrote them late into the evening after going over them with as much as a fine-tooth comb as I could. Tears were difficult to stave off while typing, but I believed this to be important to remember some of the unique happenings of those events of his death before and afterward.

I have to say now at 18 years later I can still really get pulled back into that vortex of emotion. If I have heard it once I have heard it a million times, but it seems like Grandpa Freddy first said it to me. The artist in me, the musician feels things that others don’t always feel or see. Mom has also reiterated these thoughts since his death.

A remnant of the flu hit me this weekend, fortunately, by already having the shot, the impact lessened. There was no preparing me for the cold that attacked me fifteen years ago…

…days after my birthday I caught the sniffles. This cold latched onto me and was part of my decision to stay on campus that last weekend in January. Not to mention my obligation of working that Saturday the 29th at the Library. I only had to work a couple of times on that weekend shift, thank goodness. After this time, I don’t think I ever stayed the whole weekend ever again. The haze of time has dwindled my recollection of that weekend. However, I vaguely remember a movie presentation on CBS Sunday Night. Knowing Grandpa, I am almost certain he was also watching, “The Magic of Ordinary Days.” It was a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie debut.

I do remember my drive home that Friday February the 4th. The drive was accented by multiple sneezes that yes, took both hands off the wheel. Honestly, God must have been watching over me cause I did make it home safely. To note Grandpa had just seen his cardiologist and that he was in good health. When I got home everyone was up to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s working on the addition. I believe Grandpa wanted it to be his study room; he was a very good Sunday School teacher, after all.

We finished the evening with a movie. Grandpa had a show he wanted us to watch, something about a field. It was, Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner, a good movie.

The next morning my baby brother had a music contest at Terre Haute. So we all went and listened to him and then celebrated his win. Grandpa took us out to eat. Have you ever heard of the Big Shoe? It has since closed up, but it was a place with a lot of character. The owner wore size 15 EEE shoes. Ribs, chicken and mom said really good potato salad. I will have to take her word on the later item. It was a wintry day, but a good day.

We had company waiting for us once we all got home. My mom’s oldest brother, his wife and one of my cousins were waiting. Remember, I had a cold, not feeling well, but now it was close to supper time. So of course I helped mom cook supper. It was the most logical thing to do right? We made hamburgers and baked fries; a pretty simple meal.

The whole weekend was like a family gathering from the moment I got home. Nothing seemed different, that’s just what our family used to be; family, family and family. Everyone stayed at our house late; but I needed some rest. I think I was the first one to bed. Except I didn’t really get to bed…

Tomorrow the Series will continue.