Grampy and I have always clashed heads, always, but I love and respect him so much because he's got a really big heart for a stubborn old man. If you ever need anything, my Grampy is there with his arms wide open ready to take you in---no questions asked. The only reasons he would turn anyone down are 1.) You took him for a fool and took advantage of the help he was giving you, or 2.) You disrespected God, Grampy himself, or anyone who he respects or holds dear. He will tell you everything you need to hear because he's been around the block and knows how things happen. And even though he doesn't have text messaging or facebook, he knows that people and the situations they put themselves in aren't much different from then and now.
Today Grampy told me a mini-story that went something like this:
"John at work told me that he didn't want to become close friends with me because every time he gets close to someone, they end up leaving. Well I told him, 'Look John, my friends are forever. If someone leaves my life, it's not because they're choosing to leave; it's because I'm kicking them out. No real friend will just leave.'It seemed so innocent, hearing "my friends are forever" from such a worn soul; and at the same time it warmed my heart because he cared. He really cared.
And then my Mankie... she's just fantastic. I don't know anyone who doesn't just love Mankie. She's so nice and sweet and as hospitable as can be! She compliments Grampy very well, as she's more loving and nurturing and he's more stern and direct. Mankie is like all the Bluebonnets growing in Texas, beautiful and you want them to always be around, just seeing them makes you happy. For me, seeing Mankie is like being home, whether I just saw her two minutes ago or two years ago. She's the one who will kiss your boo-boo right where it hurts.
As a child I grew up with Mankie and Grampy running the show. On major holidays when the entire family would come down, Mankie and Grampy's was the place to be. All meals and events were planned to a T without any pen or paper; everything was made on time, everyone went to sleep on time,
everyone was showered and ready on time. What Mankie and Grampy said was law and no one ever questioned it because we all knew that nothing good would come of it. When Grampy told the grandkids to clean the Florida room, we did without so much as a breath in the wrong direction. It was the way things worked in the Alderete house and how they always will.
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I was about halfway to my grandparent's house today, when the image of my Mankie and Grampy not being able to walk hit me like a brick wall. I started crying uncontrollably because seeing them incapable of doing anything was not how I've seen them all my life. And even as they are slowing wearing down each day, I still remember them like I did all those years ago, and how I'll remember them forever.
<3
