Grandpa Willy

Son, when we were outside washing the car today, I thought about my dad. I loved to wash the car for him when he got back into town.  He was a traveling salesman.  He would tell everyone what a nice job of "simonizing" the car. He used to rave about my football skills. He was proud of me, just like I am proud of you. Ha. Ha. Sorry you never got to meet your Grandpa Willy. I am sure grandma tells you about all the times when me and uncle Hap were young and dad would come home with surprises for us. Once he brought us home a punching bag. Grandpa Willy had big dreams for his family. For some reason his dreams were never realized. He died at age 60. It's a sad thing, son, no one came to his funeral. At that very moment my life flashed before my eyes and everything fell into place. I knew what I wanted! I enrolled at the University and four years later graduated with a degree in agriculture and forestry and haven't looked back since.

Grandpa Willy and I used to have arguments sometimes and I tell you he was kind of going crazy in his last days. But now when I look back I feel only compassion for him. He didn't have it easy. He lost his father when he was three and his older brother took off and never had time for him. So he really never had the family support that is so vital to a human being's life.  He did have grandma who was a very loving wife.

Diary

April 10, 1928

Dear diary: Well I am feeling a little better today. Willy will be home in a couple of days. He’s in Boston this week.  Probably “knockin’ em dead.” Ha ha.  He is such a hard worker and a great family man. We are so lucky to have him.  I have been doing wash all day. The boys are so busy with their football and friends.   The boys helped me hang the cloths on the line when they got home. I have such good boys.  I really enjoy the late afternoons with the boys. They love to bring over their friends. It sure livens up the place with all the activity.  Of course, Biff is being blamed for stealing footballs. Willy will have to talk with that coach. Everyone loves Biff.  Doesn’t the coach know that Biff is incapable of doing anything like stealing? Happy is losing weight. He looks great.  All the girls just love our boys. Not to end on a sour note. I would not mention this to anyone, but I poked my fingers two times darning my stockings. I would die to have a brand new pair…maybe two! So long diary. Time for bed.

 

April 10, 1949

Dear Diary:

Wow, what a day. Willy came home (thank God he didn’t wreck the car). The boys are home. Our refrigerator had to be fixed.  Biff and Willy fight. When are they ever going to solve their differences? Poor Biff. He is so lost. And Willy, oh my. He is so over worked he acts like he is going crazy. Hope he never finds this diary. He yells and argues with everyone. I don’t want to write this, but I found a rubber hose. I know what Willy is trying to do. I feel I am unable to protect him.  It breaks my heart that he is feeling like he is.  He seems to talk about past events a lot. You would think that after 34 years working for a company they would allow him to work closer to home.  I have asked him to talked to the manager and all he does is complain about his old boss’s son not caring about him.  I think when Willy takes a rest he will feel a lot better. Hope things are better tomorrow.