I have four. My grandparents. And I'd want to bring Scout along, so she could know them too.
My Dad's dad died when I was eight. I remember the day it happened and I remember visiting him in the hospital a few days earlier. But I don't remember a lot about him. Mostly I remember that he always called me Princess. And his hair was half black and half white. It was pretty cool. I'd like to talk to him and get to know him better.
My Dad's mom died when I was eighteen. So I really was just becoming an adult when it happened. I think I was only beginning to appreciate how much she cared about me and how much I cared about her. I've often thought of her and felt her close. I think the best description I can give of her is that she was a good person. A very good person. She was very real and never stopped trying to be better. Still, I would love to know what wisdom she would pass on now that I'm no longer a child and I might absorb more of it.
My Mom's mom died when I was twenty-five. By great fortune, I was in town from Virginia and visited her the day before she passed away. My brother says all women in the family are destined to become just like her, so I guess I should be able to tell myself what she would say. But I'd like to hear it from her. And I'd like to tell her she doesn't have to worry so much. She did a good job, and we're all going to be okay.
My Mom's dad died two years ago. I'm sad he never met Virginia because he so loved to hold babies and rock them to sleep. But I am happy that he's with Grandma now. He loved her so. I think James loves me the way that Grandpa loved Grandma, and I'm glad that my children will have that kind of relationship to witness. He was such a positive person. Every time I play the piano, I think of him and wish he were there to listen. He would listen for hours and I don't know that anyone ever enjoyed it as much as he did. But then, he just enjoyed life.
I come from good people. I wish I could tell them that I miss them and how much I appreciate them.
