Grandpa Weiss and Grandpa Hathaway (and me) |
My hero died this morning. My grandfather, Cleo Hathaway, Gramps, was the man I want to be. He grew up poor during the depression, spent World War II on a tugboat in the South Pacific, and manufactured furniture with his father afterward. He joined the Seattle Fire Department and made a career there for 25+ years. But most of all he was a loving husband, a doting father, and an awesome grandfather. I remember after a Christmas event for my Cub Scout troop when I caught him outside when he wasn't supposed to be there. He'd played Santa for us and I hadn't realized it was him.
I got to share the last year of his life with him. Though often frustrating, I couldn't say no to the man who's meant the most to me my entire life.
I'm in a state. Holding together though. So, please tell me about your hero or heroine.