A Birthday & A Tribute, page 1

"Hey Dad."
The day was magnificent. Sunny, albeit hot, but absolutely perfect. Puffy cumulus clouds in the sky. The perfectly manicured area was a sight to be seen.

"Dad. I brought your Grandson to see you."

"What's that Daddy?" as he pointed at the headstone.

"It's your Pop-Pop's headstone."

"What's a headstone?"

"Your Pop Pop is buried under it. It says...." and i read it to him.

"Was Pop-Pop your Daddy?"

"Yes he was Buddy."

"Is he in heaven?"

"Yes. He is."

"Do you miss him Daddy?"

"Yes."

"Why are you sad Daddy?"

"Because I miss him."

"But he's in heaven. He's happy right?"

"Yes Buddy."

He then did something which I'll never forget. He stood up and said the Pledge of Allegiance. I know my Dad who rarely smiled had a Cheshire Cat grin on his face.

"Daddy, let's tell him a story."

"You got it Little Dude."

We told a story together in the beautiful breeze. Afterwords he got close to the headstone and whispered:

"Pop-Pop - Daddy is sad. I want to be a Army Man like you."

He turned from the head stone and said

"Daddy? Pop-Pop doesn't want you to be sad."

Oh Jeezus Christmas.

"Pop-Pop. I'll take care of Daddy, OK?"

OH JEEZUS CHRISTMAS.

"Daddy? Pop-Pop says OK."

I said. "Thank you Dad. I love you."

"I love you too Pop-Pop. Pop-Pop guess what? I'm SIX!"

"And he now has his blue belt in Karate!"

"Daddy! I want to tell him."

"Sorry. Go ahead little Dude."

"Pop-Pop. I have my blue belt!"

We sat there for a little while and chatted. It was awesome. Then we got up and went home. What a great little man I have.

[edit on 30-7-2008 by lombozo]