Wayne

My paternal grandfather died when my dad was a young boy. My dad and grandparents, and pretty much the rest of the extended family, had moved up north during the 50's because that's where the jobs were. After my grandfather died, my dad and his mom moved back home. And a few years later, my grandmother remarried. That man was Wayne. And that is what I called him---I'm not sure why I never started calling him Pa like my other grandfather.

Wayne had a rough childhood. His father was killed and his mother remarried and they had 2 more children. His step-father, whle basically a good man from what I have been told, treated Wayne like the proverbial step-child. He would buy candy for his son, and not give Wayne any. I know that sounds like a little thing, but the fact was, 40 years later Wayne still remembered and was hurt by that. That was just one thing, and the step-father showed remorse later on for how he treated him, telling him he later knew it wasn't right. Wayne had an aunt, Aunt Kate, that he was close with, and who raised him for a number of years.

At any rate, the whole point of telling this story is to say that Wayne was a wonderful grandfather to me. I was the only grandchild, as my sisters had not been born yet. And I was spoiled, no doubt about it. I've heard often that "he thought you hung the moon." As a child, you don't realize just how special that is. But now, as an adult, I realize what a safe place that was for me---unconditional love. Wayne passed away December 26th, the year I was 10. He had pancreatic cancer, and it moved fast, as that disease typically does.

Reflecting on my relationship with Wayne makes me think of my 2 1/2 year old nephew, and the relationship the two of us have. I see the complete, earnest trust reflected in his eyes, and I feel the unconditional love I have for him. And I hope that never changes, for either of us.




Wayne as a teen

Wayne and his grandparents

Wayne at the house he was raised in by his Aunt Kate

Granny, Wayne, my dad, Wayne's brother, mother, sister, and aunt.

Wayne's aunt, grandparents, uncle, sister, and himself