“Flanery… get out here!”
So out I went… straight to the porch. I always did. My Grandaddy had answers, and I always wanted more of those. Everyone else always wondered why he called me by my last name, but I never did. It was just something that sounded better out loud. We were a tribe, and those three syllables sounded our call.
Grandaddy
“Ya mamau cookin’ her Sunday fried chicken & you got the school books cracked on tha goddam supper table. Only fat shit loser gonna do that”.
I heard every single word that my Grandaddy said, but I liked to circle them around in my head like the rich do wine to see if there was something in there that no one else could recognize. There always was.
I kicked about eight little six ounce Miller High-Life “ponies” out of the way and took a seat on the porch in the brand new empty aluminum lawn chair right next to his that had been vacant since his childhood best friend of 72 years had passed. I had called him Superman since I could speak, and now he was gone.
“The Superman bought us these two new ones at the Piggly couple days ‘fore he died, and the mesh webbin’ still too tight in that one. Don’t cup ya butt right. Make ya sit too upright. Cain’t get a good look at all ya sunshine w’out bendin’ ya damn neck. Get that webbin’ wet and put a couple bricks in it for a couple days & then yer ass sink right in and tilt ya head up all natural like. Mine already broke in. …Now you gonna tell me why you got lessons where my woman’s delicious fried chicken need to be?”
I knew it wasn’t about me doing my homework, but I wanted to hear him explain it. I loved when he explained. It was about “when“. I already knew… but I just sat there and waited on the porch next to my Grandaddy. I waited for something special.
It annoyed me that the crickets and locusts never sang the same song, but I knew that they’d soon be interrupted pretty soon anyway. I knew if I just sat there and gazed out at the horizon & sky with him that he’d eventually fill the silence with something important, and that even the bugs would shut up. My Grandaddy never told me anything directly, but instead, wrapped his lessons in a sort of quilted message that I think he knew would always keep me warm.
“You know the best, most productive, most successful sons a bitches on the planet? Well, they simply unfamiliar with complacency. They live they lives performing they daily rituals with the urgency and clarity of a football team in the last 2 minutes of a shit-tight game. You seen that game. It’s every game. You asked yourself why your team can’t play like that in the first goddam 58 minutes… we all have. The missing element’s “crisis”. The prospect of defeat is a damn mirage in the distance at kickoff, but that shit crystal clear in them final moments. The crisis, or at least the crisis mentality is what gone give you access to the most productive qualities within youself. Any team harness that final 2 minute performance, and even if they the worst team in the goddam league, they gonna BUTT-SPANK the Super Bowl champs 10 times out of 10. Tha most ‘stonishing aspects of the human spirit always gonna remain dormant in a prosperous calm. Prosperous calm for pussies. Only crisis gonna give you access to your best, most productive traits. Ain’t gotta be in one, but you better goddam perform like you is.”
Mamau & Grandaddy
“Most folks say our finest moment just after ’42. Tha entire country rallied together and became the worlds most potent military and economic power almost goddam overnight. Why we ain’t done it sooner? Cause we ain’t had to. I’d venture ta say that fewer of us felt sorry for ourselves during them years than at any other time in our history. And more of tha good shit was produced per person at that time than at any other in the country’s lifespan far as I know. And I’ll be goddam if it wudn’t the threat of losing everything we knew and loved that gave us access to our absolute best. It was the chance of losing what even the most unproductive in today’s society have almost NO chance of losing now. Big difference ‘tween workin’ fer food & survival, and just workin’ ta ‘crease yer comfort level. You die if ya fail at the first, but you just a bit itchy you fail at tha second. THIS is the complacency that gonna guarantee mediocrity. This the obesity of America… and that shit gotta stop. Superman a dyin’ breed now. Country went and got FAT while we wudn’t looking‘. Mediocre sons a bitches the ones that put shit off, not a goddam Flanery. Mediocre is shit-fat! Don’t care how much ya have in this life-you stay hungry, else you ain’t gonna git where ya need ta be. You got places ta be in this life, an there’s a lotta good there waiting’ for ya. Everyone born with a crisis. Ain’t got one? Make one up. Sooner you start workin’ like that… better ya life gone be.“
Sure enough, not a cricket or locust made a sound.
“Now, go finish yer damn lessons & git ’em outa the way of you mamau’s fried chicken. Don’t you ever let me see you put shit off ’til Sunday what can be done on a Friday. “
“Hmm, you smell that? I’m havin’ a dream ’bout a wing right now.”
I didn’t want to leave that chair. I never did. But you don’t cross your Grandaddy. I remember I could see him through the window as I cleared my books adjusting his posture to bring all his sunshine into view.
“Flanery, back out here!”
So, back out I went.
“Take a big ass ta get the “new” offa that chair, but once you finish them lessons, you wanna sink into it a bit… I’ll keep it empty for ya. Ya know, bricks’ll make you see it all lot sooner, but you won’t really understand what you see’n. Best you just use ya butt. But skinny ass like you got… might take a while.”
My Grandaddy was right… about everything… even the lawn chair. It would take some breaking in to get my angle just right to get my sunshine, but what the hell, I had a “while”… and I was happy to spend it with my tribe.
-Sean Patrick Flanery
So, I was thinking to myself this morning “I wonder when the Captain will post a new journal entry, I sure could use one” and there you are…
Such a wonderful story and thank you for sharing that!! It reminds me of my grandaddy growin up in MIssissippi. I miss those days. Your grandaddy was a very wise and smart man Sean. You have the most inspiring stories and your a straight shooter, I love that just tell it like it is attitude. That’s the way to be sweetie. Much love and respect to you and your family. Love ya
This was ut beautifully. I have to agree with your gran da as well. Wise words your gran da gave.
°put
That was goddamn beautiful and so inspiring to the up most. I can honestly say I agree with him, even though I am that part of America that went and got myself fat. But…I have my sunshine and nothings going to dim it down now, for I’m on the right path and getting to where I need to be. I wish I had had a grand daddy like yours, one of a kind he is. Thank you for sharing these stories with us and opening up your heart to give us some direction in this world which is really messed up…but it’s so damn beautiful too.
Thank you for that wonderful read
That was lovely, reminded me so much of my Nana. She never said very much but what she did say was always wise and inspiring. Crying now, happy tears. Thanks Sean, keep shining xxx
He called you Flanery because that’s who you are. It’s what reminds you that the same blood runs through your veins that does his and he was proud of it.
Brilliant as usual, Sean. Thank you for sharing your story about Grandaddy and Superman.
With this story you answered one of my burning questions: How does one find a light like the one that shines from you? Much love to you and the whole Flanery tribe. And this is my promise to you … and to me: I will keep shining … until tomorrow. S
Dang! That is called dang good writing skills! Very well done. Your granddaddy was a very insightful man and a hundred percent correct on the “cult of mediocrity”. No one has the passion for exceptionalism just acceptance of the status quo. Good read. Thank you.
Oh my God! This reminded me so much of my grandmother/godmother, she was both. She was something like that, always teaching something. She died when i was 7 years old and it’s been almost 19 years that she’s gone and sometimes i get sad because i find harder to remember how she was, the sound of her voice. But i just pray and hope that someday i can be just like her. Thank you Sean for this.
Thank you. Sitting here thinking about my southern Grandaddy with tears. I miss him, too. Those old farmers and WWI vets . . . they had something we just don’t seem to have today. And like your grandfather, mine was kind enough to spend time with me and make me important. I was always important to him. And like your grandfather, mine never slacked–not in anything.
Thank you, Sean–I really needed to remember that today.
Your Granddaddy was a great man. And smart. Thank you for sharing this with us! I’d like to share something that my Grandpa once told me that I keep dear to my heart. Keep in mind I was his only granddaughter.
“See that door over there? When you open it up, that world is going to be out there waiting. And it’s big, and it’s unfair, and nobody gets anything just because they whine for it. You have to work for it. But don’t let that scare you. Don’t let it keep you from opening that door. Only cowards refuse to see what’s outside that door, and I’ll be damned if my granddaughter is going to be a coward that just expects others to let her win.”
He told me this after beating me at checkers for the hundreth time and I started complaining. He never “let” me win and I never did beat him. I’d say I’m okay with that, but I think he’d come down here and yell at me if I did, lol. So I’ll say that when I see him again someday… Rematch!
When I saw this e-mail I just knew it was going to be what I needed after having such a long, hard, amd emotionally draining day that I had yesterday. Reading this was like being able to talk to my Old Man (what we all called my Granddaddy), which I really needed, so thank you for sharing this with all of us.
As always inspiring and poignant. It reminds me that if you take the time to listen all Grandparents are special but the people of this this generation were truly great. *sigh* Going to call my Grandma right now she’s been dispensing wisdom for 90+ years, that woman has an answer for everything.
i love hearing the love in your voice when you talk about yer grandaddy. it is so palpable, the love, respect, joy.. lucky grandson.. <3
Your blogs are truly touching and inspiring. Thank you for sharing the wise words of Granddaddy. I know he is proud of the motivational inspiration that you have become. Shine on Flanery Shine on!! ♥♥♥
Beautiful post! I’ve heard the “act as though it’s a crisis” idea before from my grandfather before he passed away two years ago. He was also a big advocate of doing something right takes time and work. He was a mechanic and always swore that the younger guys couldn’t do the work right because it didn’t seem important enough to them, that it wasn’t urgent enough. There’d always be another chance. He’d spend all day on one car because it was important to him that it was fixed completely. Your post brought about some memories of him Sean and I thank you for doing that.
” THIS is the complacency that gonna guarantee mediocrity” I never want to become complacent. Trying to keep the commitment to myself to stay motivated, be healthy for myself and my 3 boys and to be a good example to them. We all practice Okinawian Goju Ryu. I’m working towards my advanced blue belt. I want my boys to see me earn my black belt. I’m so glad I just recently found your blog. It’s been a nice boost of motivation. I also hope you continue writing your words of encouragement and tough love. They are appreciated. Thank you.
Sean, Nothing I could say would match the perfection in everyone of your blogs but thank you again for giving your fans a bit more of your “inspiration”!!;) #LuvUSeanshine!!
Omg that was beautiful !! Sean thank you so much for sharing this I really needed those words today. That truly spoke directly to me and I am so glad! I have been struggling with putting things off and that gave me an awesome realization thank you so so much for being you and awesome and so inspiring and kind to us all! SHINE UNTIL TOMORROW 🙂
SEAN This one made me think of my grandparents growing up and how much I miss them thank you so much for that. By the way if you read this I think you are awesome!
Im going to see my Grandpa! Its been way to long! He has the good ol horse sense and has forgot more than most will ever know. I miss those orange, brown, and yellow chairs for the exact same reason. I’ve been compliant to the point regrets are just part of life. Thank you for the reminder.
I really enjoyed your post—-he sounds very much like my grandfather, except he was a stubborn Sicilian. But his stubborn and work ethic is what made him a winner in everything that he did. He was a WWII vet, survived bouts of cancer, pretty much over came diabetes to live to 92 years old.
Today marks two years since his passing and your post just reminded me of how awesome of a man he was. Thank you for that!
complacent sorry and a little compliant also
Great story! Fantastic you have such great memories of your grandaddy. I never had the greatness being raised near my grandparents, but staying with them during the summers was always a favorite time of mine growing up. Loved all the stories told that made for everlasting memories.
“Don’t care how much ya have in this life-you stay hungry, else you ain’t gonna git where ya need ta be.” Beautiful … Just beautiful. I get it now…I get why you are the way you are. Your Grandaddy was full of so much wisdom and it is amazing how you clung onto his every word, even as a child. I really wish I could have known him, but knowing you is about the same thing, right? He’d be SO PROUD…Shit, scratch that, he IS SO PROUD of the man you are today.
Your Grandaddy is absolutely right, and those issues have only gotten worse…It’s a sad thing – a sad world, but people like you make is brighter. Keep sharing your insight and keep your Grandaddy’s words close! He was a VERY smart man. Thank you for sharing this! BEAUTIFULLY written! God bless! ♥
Loved this latest blog Sean. While I never knew either of my granddaddies (one died before I was born, the other when I was really young) I did have a grandmother who was my best friend and gave me some of the most wonderful words of wisdom and life views I have ever known. This reminded me of that. In my opinion, the best advice and lessons come from a grandparent. We just have to learn how to listen and accept the words they offer. Thanks as always Sean for your wonderful words and the inspiration you bring to people’s lives…mine included!
That’s a beautiful story .
That was beautiful and inspiring! Makes me think of my grannies. You write very well Mr.Flanery, I think you should be a bookwriter.
Sean, love your blogs..Wish I had a childhood like yours.Thinking back now that I’m much older my grandfather on my moms side showed no love at all very sad I must say..That’s my English side my moms mom was the total opposite.. Also English..So I’m 50% English..On my dads side my grandfather was a very loving man I was his baby he had no problem showing his love or ex pressing his love he was 100% Italian and I miss him so much..He would call ppl by there last name even my dad..Hey DeFusco he’d say..My dads mom Irish also very loving always showed it and expressed it..Her brother was part of the Irish mob..lol.. John Batchy Clark.As some members of my my DeFusco side of the family were members of the Italian mob..My dad told me he was the last of the wise guys.. You can imagine the conversations at the dinner table back in the late 60s n 70s although I didn’t understand the talk of heading out to the bookie joint to tend the books..lol And your neighbor Genovese coming over in the long trench coat looking sharp as ever..Then learning later in life your related to the biggest mob guy in the news in Rhode Island..Raymond Patriaca..WOW..lol..So on dads I’m 25% Italian and 25% Irish.And they were the most loving and caring.. My mom sheltered me so much nobody ever told or explained anything to me.. I didn’t know much about life in general till I was about 14..But those lessons about life didn’t come from mom it came from my friends on the street some good some not so good the not so good were then called lessons learned..lol..Thank you Sean for your uncondisional love and inspiration.. Shine On Until Tomorrow<3
that was lovely, and i’ll bet your granddad cherished “your skinny butt” in that chair just as much as you loved listening to his words of wisdom…
I can feel the immense love and gratitude you feel for your grandfather, same as I feel about mine. My grandparents definitely help me to believe in myself too, every day. Thank you for sharing your grandpa’s wisdom. Now its essence is right here with me, and from now on I’ll keep him in my thoughts.
This is my favorite of all your blogs. Your granddaddy was so right about the human spirit remaining dormant during a prosperous calm and only a crisis will give you access to your most productive traits. I know I’ve had my share of crisis in my life. When I look back and remember some of the things I had to do to resolve whatever the crisis was, I can’t believe I did them. And it makes me feel proud. It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you HAVE to. Thanks Sean so much for this story and I especially love the pictures.
As I sit here with tears pouring down my face, I need to thank you so much. That was beautifully written and as always came at a much needed time. I’ve been missing loved ones that have passed before me and your granddaddy sounds a lot like mine did. What I wouldn’t give to be able to have one of those kinds of conversations again. I know exactly the ones you’re talking about. The life changing ones that don’t really sound important but you can remember years later. It feels good every once in a while to just sit, remember, and yes, even cry a little. I don’t know if you’ll read this but if you do thank you. Its been too long since I’ve remembered lost loved ones cause it hurts too much, but it feels wonderful at the same time. Shine until tomorrow and always bask in the sunlight. Much love to you sir.
I’m glad you enjoyed. -S
Thank you again for another beautiful story. I always enjoy reading them.
i didn’t have idyllic grandparents, but MY parents have been great with mine. i’m glad we have a “grandparents’ day” in this country. it follows along w/’respect your elders’. This just makes me miss my daddy even more.on may 8th my husband and i had our civil ceremony. we are months from our Catholic service. when that day comes,it will be ahard one to get thru but i will do my best to shine for Daddy.
This was beautiful and inspiring. My maternal Grandpa passed away when I was 8, and I didn’t meet my paternal Grandpa until I was 22. He passed away a month later. I am grateful I got to see him, even if it was only that once. It’s just sad that I never got to know him. Thank you Sean for sharing this story of you Granddaddy. I loved reading about it. You word things just right to where one feels like they were right there with you. Once again, thank you and …Keep shining on…Until tomorrow!!!
Wow, Sean–You really outdid yourself this time! This just became my favorite blog entry that you have ever written. Thanks so much for sharing a slice of your life with us. xoxo
Hey Sean, I really enjoyed reading about your granddad. My Papa was a big influence in my life too! Wednesday, next week the 16th will be 2 yrs hes been gone. I miss him terribly. He was like yours in a way, that he never taught me lessons directly. He wanted to see what angle I would take for myself. He always said, keep my head up, look forward. The past may catch up to ya, but youll be two steps ahead of it. I’m 30 now and his voice is still in my head saying that to me.
youre so genuine and real. So positive and smart. I cannot wait to meet you in 2weeks to tell you how wonderful you really are.
Grrrreat story! I can see you sitting on the porch listening to your grandaddy. My grandpa told me, (my stubborn horse) Buckwheat, was going to continue to throw me in the pond, if I didn’t show him who was the boss! He had a talk with me about how to handle the boys when they teased me about my name, instead of beating them up! How to bait a trotline with Ivory soap to catch the BIG ONES and not to go traipsing off to go fishing by moonlight… Those weren’t turtles playing with my bobble, but snakes! I’ll never forget, how he waited to tell me that the Sunday chicken I was eating, was rabbit and not little chickens. He was buried in Pontotoc, MS when I was 10. I said my last goodbye 9 yrs ago, before packing up and moving back to TX. I haven’t been able to go fishing since…
He was right on all counts!
Sean, Its awesome that your granddaddy passed down a lot of wisdom to you. Not only did it help you, but your passing that wisdom on to others. Growing up I was around my grandparents, aunts and uncles a lot, and I’m very blessed to have had the opportunity to know them and learn from them. Those moments are priceless and unforgettable. Thank you for writing these blogs. I have learned a lot from you. Love reading them. I respect you for who you are. You tell the truth. Hope to meet you in Minneapolis. God Bless!
He sounds like a man of great insight, a deep thinker. I love hearing about parents or grandparents that REALLY talk to their kids and share knowledge. Especially this kind of lasting information that carries you through life….because life is hard, life is god damn hard, and those kind of moments are gems. Great story! Your Grandfather is so right. It is truly amazing what moments of desperation or when time is running out, brings out in a person…..we all have strength, determination, ambition, love, hope, actions you thought you weren’t capable of…..
Powerful words sunshine. You really tell it how it really is. A man with a big heart, lots of wisdom, and I just want to say thank you. Much love…
I never had any grandparents that I knew so thank you for sharing yours xx
You are a helluva story teller, Whiskey! I sat with my grandpa the same way. You learn a lot of life lessons that way. Great job! xoxo
I literally stopped to read this while I was doing my AP English homework because it’s Flanery. This was very important to me today. I needed this. I’ve been thinking about my Dada, who seemed a bit like your Grandaddy. For a minute, I had my Dada back. I regret I was so young when he passed away, but I still remember certain things. I remember his smell and the way I drove with him on the dirt roads, sitting in his lap and steering while he worked the gas. I remember going with him to check on the cows and burning the trash with him. I remember him taking me to the Dixie Stampede and him almost crying because I was asked too chase the chickens in the arena and was the only kid who remembered my “please and thank you’s,” which to him was me acting like a Southern lady. And I remember him letting my count his change in the piggy bank I made for him. But I wish I had more pictures and that I could have kept his glasses. I miss my Dada and one of the saddest days for me was being seven years old and singing We Shall Assemble at his funeral. But my Dada was like your Grandaddy in the fact that they both were men who believed in hard work and ethics. So thank you, Flanery, for sharing your Grandaddy with us. It was much needed today.
I’ve only just discovered this website and this is the first article I’ve read and I must say, from the bottom of my heart, how it affected me. And I don’t mean it in a “that was nice and forget it kind of way”. You have a way of words and it has a lasting impact. Or maybe it’s a combination of the wisdom of your grandaddy and your storytelling? In any way, I appreciate it more than anything I have read in a long while now. It cuts deep into what is wrong with the world and its people. Your grandaddy got to the point of things with such a straightforward way that it’s almost startling. I had a grandpa like that and at one point in my life, he was my one and only. And maybe he still is. Nobody will compare. They are of a generation that had less but knew more. They knew how to get their hands dirty and get things done. No shame in hard work. It’s a generation that saved and created the world we live in now and they do not get enough credit. I live in a part of the world where you can still go and visit so many concentration camps and other evidence of a battle fought and won. Fought hard. By a generation that is slowly dying out and is being replaced by this “obese” society, content in its laziness and there is nothing more sadder than that. I wish everyone would take these words to heart and try to “run at their fullest”, not get complacent. I am personally facing some challenges at the moment and it’s a make-em or break-em type of situation. It’s scary and frightening but I suppose everything worth something is just that. My own grandpa is long gone, I cannot go to him and ask for advice, so instead I’ll take the words of your grandaddy and try to make it work. What else can we do but try and give it our best? Thank you for this article. It came at the perfect time for me and for many others, I believe. Thank you.
Sean, your grandfather reminds me of my Papaw. He went from dirt poor to selling the Farm for 8 mil. Only at near 80. He got it like his daddy, working and never slowing down. I learned from him so much!! I learned to be strong, not flintch in a fight, i learned that “little ass holes are given everything, but people like us fight for our exsistance and enjoy it in the end.” Tho a little old fashioned he wouldnt let me run the farm. My boy cousins and Brother are all pretty pussys and that means I lost my home because im a girl and thats mans work. Since the farm has been gone he and I are closer. He now has time to see us all. He has told me. “Im proud of you, ya little hard ass, guess i under estimated you.” That was at my 4th spinal tap. When I was homeless w 3 kids he tried to give me money. I said I have food a car and a hotel I will have a home again I have to do this. He was proud I wasnt but i knew that this life Sucks. its painful and so heartbreaking, it gives and takes away but if I let any one do that I wouldnt learn or grow, my children may expect salvation when they need perseverence. We are both so blessed to have sat at the feet of great men who taught us values greater then laziness and get there quick ideas.
Dear Sean,
I’ve read your last blog.
Thank you for sharing your memories with your Granddady.
How enviable you are , because I would have appreciated having grandfather like yours.
I never knew my 2 grandfathers. I never sharing their history, their life, their wisdom, their experiences.
I learnt by myself or through my parents, through the strangers faces ; to find my own way.
I did a lot of mistakes, I often fell, I’ve got a lot of failure.
But I never gave up , because I wouldn’t live in the mediocrity.
Thanks again to sharing your experiences , your memories.
Your Granddady was a wise man.
He would be proud of you.
I’m looking forward your next blog.
God Bless you and of course ….
SHINE UNTIL TOMORROW ! 🙂
PS : Sorry for my poor English Language.
But thanks to you , I learn again and again !
That was….beyond words! Epic. And exactly what I needed to hear today. Thanks Sean!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! I don’t remember my grandfathers at all, but was very blessed to know both of my grandmothers. I smile at the memories that peep into my mind. Miss them very much. God bless! xo
Sean, I can’t thank you enough for sharing your tales of your childhood, as they are always a tremendous delight! Your timing and subject of your blog couldn’t have been anymore ironic to me—that is, I too first had to claw through my own massive mountain of erudition before I could respond to you. The pitfalls of procrastination and learning how to delay gratification is a struggle that is universally within us all, and it’s a great thing of wonder that you give us glimpses into your own experiences. There’s the old adage that “it takes a village to raise a child”. Seeing how phenomenally you’ve turned out, it speaks huge volumes of your much cherished tribe. Obviously, the immense potential of your keen mind was apparent to your Grand-Daddy, as he did not have to dilute down his message, his words resonating to your soul even to this day. So, as Pink Floyd once sang “How can you have any pudding / if you don’t eat your meat?” I’m absolutely sure that you didn’t have any homework to stop you from enjoying your Mamau’s fried chicken the next time! Thanks again for you telling us about such a personal, formative time in your life with us while giving tribute to those who were very dear to you!
Really enjoyed your shared memories. Wish more kids today would be able to experience the same wisdom that came from men and women of your grandfather’s day. Wish I even would have had a grandfather around like yours. Keep sharing.
Hey Mr. Flanery, thanks for this. There is always that person in one’s life who is “your person”, and for me that was my Gramma. After almost 100 years on the planet, my little Gramma passed away a couple weeks ago and reading this reminded me once more of all the wisdom she passed on to me over the years. I could fill a room with all the things she taught me about living life to the fullest, but I’m right now, I’m going to re-read your message and then, I’m going to have a bit of cry, but it’s going to be a good cry. :^)
Beautiful!
Thank you Sean for sharing such a wonderful story. Tears were in my eyes as I finished reading. Thanks for always being an inspiration and uplifting person.
Been sitting my ass in the same chair for 23 years and it it still doesn’t feel right. My oldest asks me why I stay. Truth be told, I don’t know. Love your stories and blog. Looking forward to your next.
Truer words could not have been more eloquently put. Your granddaddy knew of which he spoke. Thank you for sharing. Wish that there was more men out there today like your granddaddy. The world truly would be a more beautiful place, full of sunshine, lawn chairs that fit “just right”, & summer days full of Sunday’s.
I might have been a little biased while shooting for the Walker Stalkers in Boston, but I’m always so happy to see you. You kind words and great hugs are good for my heart. Thank you.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/walkerstalkerphotos/sets/
My personal favorites:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/iamheather/sets/
my grandfather.the grandparent who was the ghost of grandchildren who were born so many years later, who never knew him, but who were of him… the stoic Greek man who reminds me perhaps of yours; but so different cultures– but of the same spark that ignites the truth that finds it’s way through the tunnels of misunderstanding and reels towards the light of proclamation until all is heard in a mass choir of so many emotions wanting to instruct, teach, and be heard…my grandfather was one of my heros..he found his only love as she was barely old enough to know what it was…they immigrated to the big country where dreams were fertile and hopes unabashedly high….texas in the early 1900’s….apostolos was his name and he was a brave soul. his friends of same culture started theatres in Hollywood and studios too. they beckoned him to join…. but he broke into the oil well business, Laredo style….standard oil threatened him and he told them to get off his land….then they went under his land and stole his oil.
he died young. I never met him. but I am him. thank you for who you are sean,
barbara
Sometimes I revisit your journal entries just to feel better. It works. 🙂
Thank you and wonderful!
I’ve sat here for ten minutes trying to figure out what to say to this, but truth is, words fall short. There’s no words to explain how this made me feel, it made me smile but tear up. Most importantly it made me think of all those wise words I’ve been told. This made me wish my grandma and her wise words were still here, but the important things she has told me will stick. I’m going to go visit her grave this weekend, I haven’t in a while, but when I do, I can still hear those words she has said and that lead me on in this world.
Your grandaddy was a good man, wise and smart. I hope you continue to share his words with us, it sure does make me happy.
God bless you Sean and your grandaddy.
Thank you for all the inspiring words of you and your grandaddy.
Thank you for sharing your grandfather’s wisdom with the world! You should write a book filled with these life lessons. The world in its current state could definitely use more good old – fashioned wisdom.
Reading about your grandaddy reminds me so much of my grandma, unfortunately who is no longer with me either. Those aluminum chairs with the woven seats adorned her side yard so she could watch the neighbors and the cars as they passed, not to be nosey at all lol. But the talks and laughter shared as we sat in those chairs are priceless memories I will have forever. And I never see a Coke in a glass bottle that I don’t think of her, you know “they’re not worth drinking if they’re not in the glass bottles” she would say. We lost my brother at the very young age of 16 and my Grandma was my rock, me only being 12 at the time, and my parents not coping with the loss or shock as no parent would, she was there for me until my parents were able to be again. I miss her dearly and the memories of her will live on just like yours of your grandaddy.. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, I love reading them all….
Dude your so funny. It’s 1am here in Windsor, Ontario. And I think I woke up the whole house laughing my arse off at that Reedus held hostage in a bathroom story. — love it!
Thank you for sharing this. It just makes me smile!! I didn’t know either of my grandfathers, but my dad was such a wise man. He was the type of man that you just listened to and he could get your attention just by standing up in the room. I am so glad that I had older generation parents. They just seemed to know what was up. I would sit and listen to him like you did with your grandaddy. He could tell a story and then just chuckle at the end and to this day, I can still hear his laugh.
He had his spot at the dining table that none of us kids dare sit in when he got home. Not because we were scared, but because we respected him. The same went for our mother too. My dad would always catch me off guard and I would think that I was in trouble. I would come walking through the hallway and he would holler out my name, “CHARLA KAY!!” It would stop me in my tracks every time. lol He would proceed to say, “get me some coffee and act like you wanna do it!”, and then he would just laugh. I know to most people that’s a silly story, but to me it’s one thing that I can remember that makes me smile and cry each time I remember it.
Wow!! A lesson in life…Learned!! there are few people in this world who make sense, while there are ppl who make no sense!!! This makes sense 100% As I have said before the world needs positive role models…You & your Grandpa fit into this category perfectly!! Everyone can learn from this!! words cant describe how wonderful this blog is….so I will say, this is the absolute best, EVER!!! Thank You Sean!! <3
I certainly felt he was one of the best! Glad you enjoyed.