Another Hero from the Greatest Generation, my Dad, is gone

I lost my Dad this week. That's so hard to say. He was a gentle soul whom everyone loved. And he was humble. So humble in fact that it wasn't until after the attacks of September 11 that he was able to tell me the story of how he came to deliver supporting troops to the Ludendorff Bridge in Remagen, Germany to protect it from being destroyed by the enemy during the Battle of the Bulge. 

He was in the 563rd AAA AW BN and drove, maintained, repaired, and operated an M16 Halftrack. He was only 20 years old when this was taken in Germany in 1945.

 He was very proud of the fact that out of 800 men in his division just 4 lives were lost. That's 4 too many and he was deeply touched by it.

 On the day he arrived home from WWII his buddies helped him celebrate. Dad is the second in from the right.

 He was a very handsome man and my sister and I often joke that Adam Levine of Maroon 5 looks like him.

 I was his first born and a real "Daddy's Girl". I loved to greet him squealing and laughing when he came home from work, ready to give him a juicy kiss. And he always took such good care of me, teaching me by his example to be kind and loving.

 When it was my turn to take care of him I found a wonderful assisted living nearby so I could visit him often during the week. He always greeted me with, "What are you doing here?" We would go to lunch, sit by the river and watch the boaters, or just sneak out for an ice cream in the good weather.

 On occasion when I went to visit he wouldn't be home. He was out fishing or at the driving range, both things I have never known him to do! He had a full social schedule at Ingersoll Place!

 Last year I was able to make arrangements for our Congressman Paul Tonko to present Dad with a special recognition for his service in the European Campaigns. All through the ceremony Dad would lean over to me and ask why they were making such a fuss over him. 

There was my humble Dad again.

 I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to give him the last 17 months where he was shown so much love and respect.

 It was the least I could do after all he did for me. I'm going to miss you so much Daddy!

I'll always love you. And save me a beer!

Happy Father's Day!

Blessings on all the fathers who have been a positive and loving influence on their children.

My Daddy knows I love him and that he is special.

I am lucky to be able to still tell him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY!

On January 30, 1925 one of the best men I know was born. My Daddy, William Grandison, was the last of nine children. He had a typical childhood of someone who lived through the Depression and served his country bravely and heroically in the Battle of the Bulge by driving extra personnel to secure the Bridge at Remagen.

My Daddy taught me honesty, integrity, good morals, how to honor a commitment, and how to wire a lightswitch. I had no brothers so I was always his assistant when there were odd jobs to be done around the house. I felt like his little princess, even when swinging a hammer! This photo of Daddy, my daughter and me was taken in the mid 90's.

And here he is meeting his great-grandson for the first time.

Daddy is a man of few words, but I know he loves me and I love him and respect him more than he will ever know.
I LOVE YOU DADDY, AND HAPPY 84TH BIRTHDAY!

P.S. Happy Birthday Karin!