The Three Minute Grandparent

Walking to school each morning in the 1950s was rather so...so, until one morning, I met an older man walking the other way. He was dressed in an old military uniform. We passed with a nod and hello. I thought nothing of it.  I began to see the old man several mornings a week, always walking toward me then continuing on past me.  Our nods and hello's continued. One day I asked the old man where he was going and he answered, "to visit friends in the cemetery," which was down the road. I nodded and walked on.   About 2 or 3 days later, I met the old man, going the same direction. Funny, in all the times that we had passed each other, the uniform was the same each time, clean and pressed, like he was going to a formal affair. I finally got the nerve to ask his name and who he was going to see.  He told me his name was Josiah Lumpkin and he was visiting his commander in the graveyard, named Captain John Henry Walden. He asked if I would  like to come with him....

“This town ain’t big enough for the two of us.” Do you remember hearing this phrase on Saturday morning cowboy shows?   Following that line, someone left town in a hurry! Our recent road trip was more relaxed and a whole lot safer.   Grandma and I were escorted by number 2 son and daughter in law on a tour of Ellijay apple orchards. Our road trip began with a car ride, aimed toward the North Georgia mountains.   With Fall in the air, clouds in the sky, a slight breeze and trees showing color changes, our trip took on the nature of a pilgrimage.   Our goal?   Find the best apple orchards, buy the best apple products, and have an exciting day. The goal was met and even exceeded with the first orchard.   Apple jellies and jams, apple pies, and fresh apples were arranged in every corner of the orchard sales warehouse.   We discovered other pilgrims, making identical treks and having as much fun as we were. Our afternoon of excitement ...

“Growing older is not for sissies.” Said an older friend. As the young friend, I smirked and dutifully agreed with him. “This will never happen to me,” I thought! Fast forward many years and here I am! The process of aging has become painfully clear over the past decade. Aches and pains have become traveling partners. Weariness is a daily friend and diminishing eyesight is no longer a stranger to this body. The fitness workout, that in the past invigorated a young body, now invites a brief rest and perhaps an aspirin. The Battle Ropes that casually invite participation, after a somewhat vigorous workout, cause the core, arms and legs to ache like there is no tomorrow. Long walks or if you will, “Hikes,” tend to be followed with time in the recliner. This aging thing is NOT for the faint of heart. However, I count myself fortunate to participate in the aging process. Too many friends and colleagues have left this world with no opportunity to age, gracefully or otherwise. Perhaps...