in my mind....

... it will always be the little things that I cherish the most.  My Grandpa, Edward Mize Ramsey, SR.  passed away this past week.  I have been searching for things to say about him that would do justice to the feelings that flood me when I think of coming of age in his good graces.  It's been a challenge, but I find myself in a place a little desperate to try. 

My grandparents (Ed and Jessie Ruth; as he called her) had grandkids in waves.  First, my biggie and cousin Paige, myself, my little, and my cousins Nicole & Amanda.  We were round one.  All of us girls, the daughters of their two sons.   Later came the boys; Matthew and Will, both sons of their daughters.  

Us girls spent lots of time on Lake Allatoona and in pop-up campers and tents with the two of them.  Grandpa taught me how to bait my hook.   I remember the yellow and white minnow bucket where I first reached down my hand in efforts to hold on to one.  I remember him telling me; "You have to hook it through the eyes."  The terror in my mind of "murdering" this fish required much bravey through my first attempt.   I did it.  I felt so proud.  I cast my line, and soon enough....my first fish.  Off the hook and into the wire basket he went.   

We always went to the lake in the late afternoon.  We would drive in the big burgundy van and arrive just before the sun was setting.  It was and is still my favorite time of day.  I remember many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on the boat, with potato chips and a sunkist.  My parents never bought canned drinks growing up.  My Grandpa and Grandma always had drinks in a can.  It was a treat. 

We would stay on the water until it was long after dark.  We always caught fish.  I can remember Grandpa saying it was time to go.  We would pack up the rods and reels and sail through the cool night air back to the dock.  I have vivd memories of these nights as I am sure my sisters do as well. 

For a while, at the end of summer, we would fry all the fish we had caught that year.  It was always a big family gathering and some of my favorite eating we ever did. 

Grandpa, for as long as I can remember, always had his chair.  Though replaced a time or two over the years, as a grandchild....always one of the most coveted seats in the house.   We would always try to be the one to get it if he got up.  But as soon as he returned, you knew without question your time had run up.

I remember nights of sitting in the living room floor looking through old pictures while Wheel of Fortune was on the TV.  They (both Grandma & Grandpa) rarely missed the puzzle.

I could go on and on.  The deck, the creek, naps in front of the sliding glass door in the perfection of warm sun.  It was possibly one of the biggest parts of my childhood.

I saw them a lot.  My father worked with them for years when they had their printing business.  I remember playing on a pallet jack and always being warned that I would hurt myself.  I remember the ramp.  I remember the typesetter.... this big blue computer type machine that I learned to type my name on.  And always..... the red tape.    I used to love watching them glue notepads together.  And it was a fun day when the coallater and stapler were in use. 

We went to church with them for many years.  Every Sunday, we would sit with them; singing hymns and listening to the word. 

I love him.  Though my time with him in the past few years was far too little, I loved him. 

We buried him yesterday.  The service and time with family will be cherished.  And more now than ever before, I cherish my Grandma.  I'm named after her.  Jessie Ruth Wimberly Ramsey and I; Jessica Ruth Ramsey.  She has shown amazing strength and courage though I know she misses him deeply.

I returned to the cymetery with my grandmother and all of her children.  It was that perfect time of day..... just before the sun was setting.  It made me think of all of the days on the lake.  I stood and stared at the ground where he lay.... right next to my Aunt Beth who went on many years before.  It was peaceful and I felt that he is at peace.

Grandpa, thank you for teaching me the most simple kind of love.  Thank you for loving me when I was not at my best.  Thank you for a lifetime of memories of happiness in the little things.  I will keep you close in my heart.