It’s hard to sum up ones memory of their grandparents. In my life I have been blessed in growing up with both sets of Grandparents and even two Great Grandmothers, so when the call came last Friday night it wasn’t so much a hard to stomach, but more of reflecting and saying thank you for the 34 years that I have come to know Grandpa Sand.
Grandpa left us with the knowledge that only a wife, 5 children, 11 grand-children, and a few great-grandchildren could cherish. The stories, occasions, and events that come to mind are endless and could be showcased for hours on end. Here are some things I remember he shared with us.
Sweet-tooth – Grandpa Sand was a person who loved to stop off and get a burger, milkshake or some sort of other treat for us grand-kids. I remember one time Grandma and my mother had instructed him not to get us anything to eat, so on our way back from town we got milkshakes. Grandpa’s love for horehound candy, peanut bridle, and maple-nut ice cream made us know we were going to have some sort of treat.
The Cabin - when Grandpa retired both him and Grandma made all of us grandchildren feel like we were escaping to our own summer camp. Grandpa would clean the swimming pool, patch inner-tubes, and give us rides to first bridge to float the river or the sledding hill in the winter. Not a day goes by do I still think about hotcakes, waffles, oatmeal and raisins with a stack of toast. Every day Grandpa would start the same with a cup of coffee and making breakfast.
He always had a big smile every time his family would
show up for the week, weekend, or at a group gathering.
Nothing a Shot of ol’ Grand-Dad Won’t Cure - Every Sunday afternoon Grandpa would sit and: “Have a talk with old Grand-Dad.” According to him the whiskey cured everything from stomach aches to broken bones. I am sure that the makers of Grand-Dad are going to miss one of their loyal customers. Grandpa told me: “If you know what’s good for you than a couple of shots of Grand-Dad will do the trick”
Ear Hygiene – Grandpa Sand taught us all that the real way to clean our ears is with a Ford car key.
Sports - Two sports that I remember most watching with Grandpa were Baseball and Auto Racing. As I kid Grandpa would sit in his chair and start going through the sky just to see how many baseball games we could find to watch. I Auto Racing- I think Grandpa’s love for Dale Earnhardt made watching NASCAR fun.
Card Games and Louis L'amour - On the camping trips Grandpa would be sitting at the table in either his camper or trailer playing cards or reading a book from his Louis L’amour collection.
Meetings - Grandma told me once that: “Grandpa would drive 300 miles out of his way to get to a meeting on time.” We all believed this because in the monthly Ponderosa Board Meeting notes there always seemed to be a section devoted to Mr. Sand and the issues he thought that were of most importance. Sometimes I wonder if that is why he became Fire Commissioner just to attend more meetings.
Salesmen - Grandpa always wasn’t afraid to flex some muscle when talking to salesmen. I think he loved it even if it wasn’t something he was going to purchase. I recall B&B Auto Parts knowing him well. Ron who was the head guy would personally wait on “Mr. Sand” every time. I also remember him telling the waiter at Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant to take the owner (who was sitting across from us) and I will quote “I want you to take that guy and boot him out the back door”
Teaching - The most memorable advise Grandpa told me besides old Grand-Dad were things like how to install an outlet, fix a car, drive a stick shift, to telling me once “ I don’t care how fast you go, you’re paying the ticket if you get pulled over.” I never was a builder but at least I could ask Grandpa and try to make an effort.
Grandpa Sand was one of many role models I had growing up. I am grateful for all of the time that he spent with us. I remember the last time I sat with him. He wanted to talk about cars. (Which I know little about) but as we talked the story he told was priceless.
I know he is looking down upon us while waiting for Annie to bring back a rock to throw.
Thank you Grandpa for all that you have taught us, the time spent, and the life experiences.
In the song “Grandpa Told Me So” sung by Kenny Chesney: the chorus really stands true:
“ That life is made for you to live.
The best love is the love that you give.
There'll be times when you wanna hold on but you gotta let go.'
And I live by those words 'cause Grandpa told me so “
I will miss you and look forward to see you again when the time comes
