Growing up with my grandparents, I became vitally inseparable by spending most of my time with them. I depended on them throughout my childhood, whether it was to have a warm place to sleep in or Denny’s breakfast on a timeless spring morning, Gram and Pap saw it all. I can’t help but be extremely grateful for having the two of them in my life. Recently, I’ve been appreciating spending my afternoons laying with Pap in his room with our dog, Millie, so I wanted to indulge in this candy-sweet relationship that I have with my ultimate best friend, my old man, Pap.
When I was a very young girl, I would visit my grandparents at their house to see my family and also to swim in their pool. Being a child on a hot summer day is the definition of, “you had to be there to experience it.” Seeing my grandparents in the summer was so special to me because I absolutely adored being at their house, especially when they took us to get ice cream after a long day in the pool. If I was sleepy while swimming, Pap would hold me in his lounge chair alongside the pool, gently tapping my back, and singing his famous jingle, “The Chain Gang.” Being held by Pap when I was a little girl is one of the core memories of my childhood which I will never forget.
Due to the fact, I have been living in my grandparent’s house since the small age of 4, I have grown substantially close with each of them. Their selflessness and care for their grandchildren were proven in their actions and love. Gram and Pap knew exactly how to care for and nurture my brothers and me by understanding the importance of instilling morals and love into our lives. As children, I know on a personal level that I never would have made it to where I am today without them. Their impact on my life has taught me how to love, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
In ninth grade, my teacher assigned a project where we had to interview and report about the oldest members of our families. I explained to Pap that since it was my final assignment of the year worth 150 points, it had to be utterly perfect. Absolutely no mistakes could be made when it came to the final assignment, so Pap and I worked tirelessly to finish our project. It was a really fun assignment because I not only had a blast while interviewing Pap, but also because I had the chance to learn about his past while indulging in prior memories of his adolescence.
I could sit here and write a 500-page essay on how much I love Pap and all of the cherishable memories from my childhood that I am so blessed to have with him. Pap is a very special man, some would even say an old man. Through everything, he is my #1 supporter, especially with Coffee Talk and other silly little things that may go on in my life. I am excited for our future; the plants we will continue to grow together, and each scary movie we will watch with our dog. He is so imperfectly perfect, which is just perfect for me.
I love you, forever and always Pap.
Latte Love,
Jill
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Ok you made me cry, tears of happiness and love.
I strive to be a good Pap and love my grandchildren and family. I’ll always be there for them.
Love Pap
Jillian, this is the sweetest thing ever.
this is so beautiful i teared up
I love the Old Man, too. You write so beautifully.
Can't wait for your next, Coffee Talk with Jill.
So touching and genuine. You are blessed!