A Short Story To Celebrate My Grandfather
Start writing a post
Adulting

To James Headd Sr., A Simple, I Love You

Within a few years, you've left a major impact.

248
To James Headd Sr., A Simple, I Love You

August 06, 2015 - Was our first physical encounter

June 13, 2019- Was your physical last.

This day is truly a remarkable day , because from here on out -- today will mark the day that James Headd Sr. ( a father, husband, grandfather , pastor and friend ) will join his father in heaven.

Up until the age of 15 , I lived my life believing that God had blessed me with one amazing older sister and one annoyingly lovely younger brother.

At 15, On a solemn night I met for the first time ever, another older sister -- who had no previous knowings of her two younger siblings until that day.

We sat across from one another wide eyed and confused.

Questioning the obvious while spectating somber faces with rendered truths. How on earth did we get here?

That was the question at hand.

Above all, the task was not to question but to accept and progress , which is what we did.

From here on out me and my sister began to build a bond that only we could share. Often, we'd send massive texts to vent, calls to cry, snaps to laugh and meet-ups to chat and figure out new hairstyles she could try on me. At this point I wasn't just elated but I was grateful.

Grateful that God had placed someone in my life who is so seemingly similar to me it's sort of weird.

A few years later I met for the very first time "our" grandfather.

I remember the day like it was just yesterday. It was shortly before I left for college and I was super nervous to meet him. I had heard that he was a pastor and for some odd reason that made me more nervous than before. I asked my mother if she really believed that he'd like me and my younger brother and what was I to do if he didn't. She assured me that he was going to love us and it was with that, that we went into the cracker barrel restaurant with eager minds and high hopes.

From the minute he lay eyes on my brother and I , he delivered a smile that few can. A smile of pure happiness. He took us in a great big bear hug while his wife reflected a sweet and timid smile. We laughed over diets and food, talked career goals and college, and smiled over new found relationships.

He told us to make sure that we stayed in touch and to always know that he loved us.

From here on out, we managed contact via random phone calls , a group meet up and word of mouth through our big sister. The conversations were always the same.

" Hey Grandad -- It's me Makayla ! "

Oh Hi Makayla , You don't know how good it is to hear from you!"

"You know, us old folk always love it when young people call us just to check on us -- it lets us know you're thinking about us"

"I can't wait until we see each other again , you know I keep a picture of you guys sitting right here at the house and I tell everyone those are my beautiful grand kids" .. and so forth.

Although we rarely got many calls in through the course of the semester, it was the few that always made a lasting impact. After every call I'd call my grandmother to tell her how I talked to my grandfather and he was just so excited!

Today , my sister and I shared yet another lengthy video chat , but instead, this was one to celebrate you. Although your time here is up , your time above has just begun. I want to thank you for reaching out to me when you surely didn't have to. I want to thank you for accepting me and my younger brother and treating us like the grandchildren you would have known since our birth. Surely you have made a significant impact in the life of every one surrounding you including me. Never will I forget your selfless smile, hearty laugh and stern takes on life and God.

I will love you always , Makayla.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71362
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133450
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments