100 years ago today

[RH]

Today marks what would be the 100th birthday of my late Grandfather Christopher C.Pettit who died in '87. "Daddy Chris" and "Nanny"lived next door to our family for my first 20 years until I left home and got a place of my own.I saw him every day.Even after he retired later in life and moved 75 miles away I tried to visit him every few weeks and did so until his death.He is,along with my Father,one of my true heros and was respected and loved by all that knew him.

A mans man,he taught me how to set a gill net, work a trap line,handle a boat,turn a wrench and most importantly the value of friends and family.

He owned the neighborhood garage next to his home which also served as an inpromptu watering hole for his pals in the evenings. I started showing up there around 5 or 6yrs of age and regardless of how busy he was he never turned me away.I would have lived in that place if Mom would have let me and practically did! By the time I was 9 or so I had become a pretty good helper for him and if he was on his creeper and asked me for a 9/16-deep 3/8th drive socket he got one.

He helped me build my first hot-rod engine at 16,a 265 Chevy and I can remember the first time we cranked it like yesterday. How sweet!

Strong as a mule,gentle as a lamb,he was in the physical condition at 80 that most folks would be happy with at 65. Then suddenly he was gone.

Tonight I'm going down to my Sisters place on the lower Potomac and my Mom and Dad and younger Brother will be there.We're going to fry up some fresh fish (his favorite) drink a couple cheap beers (another staple),tell tales and finish off with a bowl of ice cream for desert( his nightly ritual)

I'm sure there will be some tears.My 78 year old Mom was his first of 3 girls and his favorite.She has never to this day gotten over his loss. My Dad has often stated that he considered"Daddy Chris" his true father and mentor,not his abusive biologic Father.

I'm thankful for the years we had him but sad that my children did not get to know him longer.

Daddy Chris,I love and miss you and Nanny greatly.

Ronnie

[jim sanders]

great read RH

[pro70z28]

Great memories RH.

[WildcatOne]

Great story about a great man, RH. Thanks for posting it. WC1

[draglist]

A great man indeed. Thanks, RH. bp

[Novel-T]

Ronnie,I can understand you feelings on this,as I too had a loving grandfather in my life for 41 yrs.He also died in 1987.I still miss him Often in my life I think to myself "what would Papa have done"and choices are made that way.You are fortunate to have had him in your life.
Boyd

[RH]

Thanks Guys for letting me share his memory.

Ron

[Gator]

Great Memories........