Tuesday, June 29th, The Call From Coach Feely, My Grandfather’s Love.
Around the end of June I got a call from Coach Feely from the College of St. Thomas informing me Heavy and I were accepted. I was so excited and told Aunt Ida and Aunt Betty immediately.
Aunt Ida said, “Little Henry now do you understand why I was so hard on you about reading and doing your homework”?
“Yeah and I can’t thank you enough.”
“You can thank me later by graduating from college.”
“Ok Aunt Ida, I promise I will graduate.”
“You better. Don’t make me have to make a trip to Minnesota to straighten you out!” she teased. Aunt Betty was watching and laughing at Aunt Ida but she supported every word Aunt Ida was saying.
One of the most touching moments in my life was one Saturday morning on our front porch. I knew Aunt Betty had informed my grandfather I would attend college in Minnesota. We all knew it was time for me to leave the nest and start manhood!
“Son, I have done all that I can do for you. Be the best man you can be. I will always be proud of you and I love you.” This was the only time in my life my grandfather ever said the word “love.” I never even heard him tell my grandmother he loved her but we all knew he did. I respectfully responded, “Daddy, I love you too!”
Suddenly he said, “I need your help to fix that damn garage door again. The hinges need to be replaced.”
“Ok, daddy when do want to do it?”
“Lets do it tomorrow, I want to watch the Sox game this afternoon.” He went on and on about how he could help the White Sox baseball team win if they would just listen to him. He was the quintessential baseball armchair quarterback. And I loved him!
Men of his generation didn’t use such words. Words of affection demonstrated weakness and were not “manly.” His usage of the word “love” shocked me, but at the same time I knew exactly what he meant; he did the best job he could raising me. This was the farthest he could take me. He hoped that his values were firmly planted into my young heart, mind and soul. But only time would tell.
Our conversation that Saturday morning only lasted for a few seconds. I have often wondered what made men of his generation uncomfortable using the word “love” to someone they care for? What if other men said this to their sons more often?
By saying this simple word, could it make a difference in relationships all over world between fathers and sons?
This is my last post. I will be spending the next several weeks completing my autobiography. I hope you enjoyed the blogs to date. In preparation for the completion of the book, I will add more details to each blog. I know you will find the book as thought provoking as the blogs. I hope by sharing my family values will inspire others to find their purpose in life as I have.
Thanks for reading and take care,
Bill Roddy
