Pockets

My Grandfather is definately one of a kind. I can see quite a bit of my mother in him. If you know my mother then you know what im talking about... Yes the Toilet paper, taking home leftoevers, and Waiting for things to go on sale is hereditary.

While in Prince Edward Island, I did quite a bit of the cooking. I can honestly say although she is getting better, my mother is not the greatest cook in the world. It just is not her thing. And my grandmother relished the thought of someone else in the kitchen so that she didnt have to cook... My grandfather was slightly wary because when your wife cooks the same assortment of dishes, and youve been married for 60 years, change in food, especially me doing the cooking. Me who likes to break out the curry, ginger, or add any odd assortment of things to my cooking (the recepie is more of a guideline lets say...)

Whenever I cooked my Grandfather usually found his way into the kitchen, and would clean the pot out after I had scraped it. And i mean he would clean it out. My mom and i kept teasing him bout how we wernt sure if there was any finish left on the pot! He would also sit and sharpen the knives for me so that they were always nice and sharp, or peel things for me. He was quite handy that way and I enjoyed his company quite muchly. Although by the time I was there for about a week I had been banned from making any more sweets... By my dear grandfather himself... He had gained 5 pounds from my cooking!

But I digress...

When we go to visit them, my mom in particular because shes there twice a year, we always bring presents. My mom always tries to bring clothes or lotion or just something they will like and use (like slippers... you think my moms bad for not throwing things out... phew shes tame compared to my grandfather!) In particular my grandfather always likes it when she brings home pants.

It sounds really weird, but beacause they are old, and dont get around as much any more, they are slowing down and their shape is changing . Its hard for them to go shopping so sometimes my mom does it for them and brings it with her. My grandfather always likes the pants she brings him because they have what he likes.

There are specifics. For winter they usually have to be lined some how. Either lined, or very thick fleece. And even then he will wear long underwear underneath.

For summer they need to be quite thin, with usually no lining. fabric wise hes quite similar for shirts as well.

But one thing that all of his pants have to have is pockets. They are not considered pants unless they have at LEAST 4 pockets. Your usual side pockets, hopefully the back pockets over the bottom. And his FAVORITE, cargo pockets. In his eyes ALL pants should have cargo pockets.

Whenever he gets a new pair of pants the first thing he does is sits there and examines all of the pockets. He will unzip, or unsnap, or unvelcro them all, and stick his hands in, feel around, get the size of the pocket, sometimes he will pull out the pocket innard and inspect it... But all of the pockets must be checked.

And do not doubt, ALL of the pockets will be used. Some will hold Kleenex, another his jacknife, peppermints, some type of paper, possibly a peice of string, and any other numerous assortments of objects.

My Grandfather is certainly one of a kind, he is a man that I look up to for his strength, perserverance, and his faithfulness to, as well as his walk with God... He is a man that I love, and miss dearly everysingle day.

I cherish the time that I get to spend with my aging grandparents because I know that any day they could go. They are blessed, to be 88 and 95, and still live by themselves, in their own home.

I love them to pieces and will always remember their little quirks...