Grandfather Lloyd,
My Grandfather
There are no words to express how much my Grandfather means to me: the heart speaks a language more deep than words I can utter. My Grandfather is and continues to be one of the most beautiful people to have walked this Earth.
When I think of my Grandfather, the word Piety rings true, meaning devotion. He was a devoted husband to my Grandmother, a devoted father to my father, a devoted father to my Aunt and Uncle, and a devoted Grandfather.
My Grandpa taught the finest qualities about what it means to be a good person, by modeling who he was. He was a man of great faith, he listened, he recognized the sublime beauty of the natural world, he was among the kindest of men, he showed us what it means to be generous, loving, understanding, and giving through being a caring individual. He showed us what it means to truly love and care for the well being of others in this world.
There is a line by William Wordsworth, who writes in a poem about a beloved elder in his life, who passes away. He exclaims: "The Historian of My Infancy! /.../ My Father's Family!" My Grandfather is the "Historian of my Infancy" - he was a storyteller, a bard... he would recite poems by memory, reams of poetry and also memories, stories of our ancestors. He is "the historian of my infancy"... Grandfather, a most beautiful man was he...
As I want so much for him to be here and for us to always have one another in this world, I know he will forever be in my heart.
One poem, in particular, I recall my Grandfather reciting at the dinner table (after one of Grandma Esther's delicious dinners she cooked up for all of us to enjoy). Grandpa loved those dinners. Grandpa would so softly recite these poems by memory... he had so many in his memory... and this one he recited as well..."I Wandered Lonely As A Cloud," also written by Wordsworth, Romantic poet. I can recall my Grandpa reciting this very poem from his heart...
I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud
That Floats on High o'er Vales and Hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd
A Host of dancing Daffodils;
Along the Lake, beneath the trees,
Ten thousand dancing in the breeze.
The waves beside them danced, but they
Outdid the sparkling waves in glee:-
A Poet could not but be gay
In such a laughing company:
I gaz'd- and gaz'd- but little thought
What wealth to me the shew had brought:
For oft when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude,
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the Daffodils.
(Wordworth 1807)
And so my Grandfather will always be in my heart. I will think of him often with great love. I will never forget my darling Grandfather. I hope all of the beautiful memories of him, which our family holds dear, will help console our hearts. Until we meet again, Grandpa.##imported-begin##Lori Martindale Pritchard##imported-end##
