Forever Inky Boober, that's me.

I was thinking of my grandpa that passed away in April of 1996 this morning.  His name was Pete Peterson, his real first name was Alfred, but all that loved him called him Pete...I knew him as Grandpa Pete.  I was remembering his laugh, his kindness, and his unconditional love for his family.  He was a good man, he didn't have a college education, he used poor grammar, he had outlandish political views, he was a hard worker, and the BEST grandpa.  He used to take me fishing and we would have the greatest time catching crappie and perch on minnows.  He had silly pet names for me, I was "Inky Boober" and "his little doll", he made me feel so loved.  He picked me up most days when I was in elementary school, we would grab a DQ dip cone after school or a dilly-bar, and not tell grandma....because she might have been mad that he "spoiled" my dinner and I wouldn't have an appetite later; that was always our little secret ;)  He would sit me on his lap when I was little and sing me goofy songs.  This was my favorite:

THERE'S A PLACE IN HAWAII
THAT IS VERY DEAR TO ME
I AM HOMESICK AS CAN BE
WON'T YOU LISTEN TO MY PLEA?

I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA HAWAII
I WANT TO BE WITH ALL THE KANES AND WAHINES THAT I KNEW LONG AGO
I CAN HEAR OLD GUITARS A-PLAYING
ON THE BEACH AT HO'ONAUNAU
I CAN HEAR THE HAWAIIANS SAYING
"KOMO MAI NO KAUA IKA HALE WELAKAHAO"

IT WON'T BE LONG 'TIL MY SHIP WILL BE SAILING BACK TO KONA
A GRAND OLD PLACE THAT'S ALWAYS FAIR TO SEE.
I'M JUST A LITTLE HAWAIIAN AND A HOMESICK ISLAND BOY,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY FISH AND POI,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA, HAWAII

WHERE THE HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA GOES SWIMMING BY...
WHERE THE HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA GOES SWIMMING BY

 He loved all the silly sounding Hawaiian words in this song and sang them with vigor and glee. I remember the good.  I was blessed to have known him, out of all people in my family, his memories are among the very fondest that bring a smile to my face.
 
It made me think, how will I be remembered?  Full of glee?  Will Maya and Noah remember my kindness and giggly moments?  I sure hope so, because those times are so precious.  Sometimes I hear the laughter we are all sharing, whether in the car, at home or elsewhere, and I thank God for it. Laughter cures all, it's the best medicine, and it's quite possibly my favorite thing to do. 
 
Everyone just wants someone to make them feel special, my grandpa made me feel special.  He made me feel loved.  I can only hope to strive to be the same kind of person, because in the end of our time on earth, that's really all there is....just those simple memories left for our loved ones, and I pray for the best ones for mine, and can't wait to make more.  Grandpa Pete's legacy reminds me what an impact that kindess and some giggles really can make.  He's in heaven singing my favorite "Little Grass Shack" song and catching crappie like mad. :)
 
Often the only thing a child can remember about an adult in later years, when he or she is grown, is whether or not that person was kind.
~Billy Graham