Memory: A great gift

I love the special days set aside that remind us to remember.  Relaxing at home today rather than spending a lot of time preparing and eating food, visiting with friends and family is giving me time to reflect on the good memories I've shared with those who are no longer here.

They have hastened off to their eternal reward and we are left here to form new memories.  Since there is a major focus today on those who have served in the military--many giving the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom--I have spent time thinking about my maternal grandfather:  William H. Angell.  He had a dry sense of humor and was a very humble unassuming individual.  I regret that I don't speak of him often.  He never owned a business or amassed wealth.  He did not become famous or doing anything noteworthy in the eyes of those who measure the success of one's life.

He was my mother's father, and she was a remarkable woman who did do many noteworthy and courageous things.  She was the epitomy of honesty, humility, compassion, and love.  I cannot help but think she received teaching and training in those attributes from the quiet, low-key William H. Angell.

He worked for the United States Post Office, raised his family through the great depression, served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War I.  He met my grandmother at a USO dance.  They made a strikingly handsome couple. 

They lived in a highly populated area where they traveled via trolleys and street cars.  He never felt the need to own a car of his own and did not until he was 80 years old.  Following my grandmother's death he spent most of his time, sitting in his Ford, I'm sure reflecting on their life, their children, and their grandchildren. 

He was a man of few words, never spoke two when one would do.  My last phone conversation with him, I made arrangements for him to come to Missouri to visit us.  (He still lived in East Providence, Rhode Island).  It was home to him.  He loved spending the day at the beach where he dug cuohogs with his heels, out in the deeper water.  A real New Englander--he had a strong accent.  He was an ardent Yankee fan. 

He acted excited about making a trip to visit us in Missouri.  However, he passed before he had that opportunity.  I'll always regret that--although I know his trip to join Grandma in Heaven was much more exciting.  But that's how we are...regretting what is lost.  If he was here, he'd sit on the swing in the backyard, enjoy the sunshine, say very little--tease the grandkids and probably wish he was at the beach!

I honor today, my Grandpa Angell.