Grandkids came over for dinner tonight and it got me to thinking about my grandparents. I only knew three of them. On my Dads side I really did grow up with Grandpa Jake and Grandma Pauline. They were both immigrants and very loving people. My Grandma Pauline passed away when I was about 15. We visited her often and she was a part of my life as a child. Grandpa Jake lived to 95 and passed away when I was in my early thirties. He was the patriarch of the family. I don’t think he even had a high school education. But he was very smart. To leave Russia in his teens and make a good life for him and his family here was quite an accomplishment.
I did know my moms mother Grandma Ida. But by the time I was old enough to have any relationship with her she was in a nursing home. I did get to see her on a number of occasions but she passed away when i was about five years old. I never met my mothers father Grandpa Sam. He passed away three months before I was born and Imam named for him. I am told he was quite a character. Family history says he was married three times and had at least five children. He was loved by all who knew him and there are at least three others in our family named for him, cousins Steve, Stanley and another Stuart. He must have had a great influence over many people.
I wonder how my grandchildren will think of me? I wonder how my children think of me for that matter? My children probably think of me as strict and set in my ways. I’m sure they think I can be tough and difficult. But I also think they know that I do love them unconditionally and would do anything for them. I think they know that I am really a softly at heart. As for my grandchildren, I just hope they think I am fun. That when the see me and their grandmother, they are in for a good time. I know they really love us and enjoy being with us. Hopefully there are more Disney World trips to come and maybe even a cruise or two.
