Page 29 - Firehouse Pond

DH

MY MATERNAL GRANDFATHER

My Grandfather was a big man – in more ways than his six feet two-inch
frame. His voice was big, his shoulders were wide. His weather-beaten and

labor injured hands hurt all the time. His physical touch to a fearful little boy
provided safety and peace of mind - every time.

I was only a youngster when my grandfather passed. But I remember
“flickers” of time and events. I recall a few places and stories. I am
uncertain of the name, Delaney Lake, perhaps. We’d catch catfish and
crappie (sunfish). My grandmother would fry up the fish and make her

hushpuppies and slaw.

My Grandfather had to use a cane to get around; or did he? More than once, I

thought he only had that cane for protection. He used it many a time on my
siblings and me. I can’t recall my Grandfather ever hitting us with it; he used
it to “slow the traffic” and to let us know he was the head of the household.
There were also those times when his cane provided safety for mom and the

grandkids and discomfort for my father.