a story about Big Pa

The first time I met Kevin's grandfather, who would later become known as Big Pa (once he was a great-grandfather), was in the driveway of Kevin's parents' house. He had just gotten out of his new Buick, and we had gone to meet him by the car.

After a brief introduction (Grandpa meet Julie, Julie meet Grandpa), he informed me that he had three legs.

I had no idea what he was talking about.

I was speechless. So he went on.

One of his legs was at home in the closet.

Me. Still clueless. Still speechless.

I'm sure he enjoyed the look on my face until someone explained to me that Grandpa was a WWII veteran, and had lost a leg in the war. He was wearing his prosthetic leg, and he was talking about the extra leg that he had in his closet at home.

Of course.

He had a good little laugh at my expense.

And, just like everyone else, I grew to love that man.

Of course.

Big Pa
November 26, 1922 - January 5, 2012