November 28th, 2018

I was lucky growing up my maternal grandparents lived only three miles from my home.  As soon as I could ride my 20” two wheel bike I spent a lot of time at their house, especially summers.

My granddad was the janitor at my elementary school and he took exceptional pride in his job, his presence made me someone special.

Granddad taught me to play checkers at a young age, not sure how old but it was our game.  When I was 12 granddad got sick and was hospitalized.  In those days kids weren’t allowed in hospitals, I don’t know why.  My parents told me that granddad asked if I could visit him in the hospital because he wanted me to bring him a strawberry shake.  My Dad made sure the rules were bent enough to allow me a short visit early one evening.

I took granddad a strawberry shake and one for me too.  When I arrived in his room he looked fine to me and had a checkerboard set up for us.  My parents and grandmother left the room and let granddad and me concentrate on our game.

Of course, I don’t remember who won – it doesn’t matter.  I do remember not understanding that granddad was sick, he looked fine to me.

That evening at home the hospital called and Mom & Dad had to
return to the hospital.  I stayed with my best friend Ron in their spare bedroom.  I recall getting up in the middle of the night and telling my friend’s Mom, Selma that granddad had died.

This Thanksgiving my 7 and 4 year old grandsons stayed overnight so we could have some time together.  The 7 year old asked to play checkers and as we played the 4 year old watched and wanted a turn.

The 4 year old wanted to make up the rules as we played; I wouldn’t let him do that but did coach him with moves so that after a long battle he won the game.  My 7 year old grandson is very crafty and is learning the game well.  I honestly didn’t see two times being venerable and he dispatched me with a huge smile on his face.
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I love checkers and now enjoy the full circle of life.