I've been thinking a lot about my grandpa, since yesterday was his birthday. Unfortunately, I can't wish him a happy birthday. I lost my grandfather last year. He was living in Tennessee at the time of his death, and I was unable to attend the funeral. It still saddens me that I never got to say goodbye to him. There are many things I would love to say to him if I had the chance.

Your stories about your cats always made me laugh (although I'm sure you already knew that). You may have been making jokes, but I know now that it was really just sound advice in disquise. I love the fact that you always had a secret stash of cookies that grandma didn't know about. Your workshop was like an amusement park. I could have spent days in there exploring. I kept and wore the flannel shirts you gave me (much to my mother's dismay). I actually found it really funny how you tried so hard, and always came up with new and inventive ways to make grandma yell. You were a constant in my life when sometimes it seemed like that didn't exist. You were an inventor, repairman, roofer, financier, comedian, electrician, gardener, mechanic, pilot, war veteran, veterinarian, curator, and philosopher all rolled into one. And last, and most importantly...Where is my "Alphie" robot you were supposed to fix in 1982?! I'm still waiting. Of course ,if I could have just five minutes, I'd give you the biggest hug I could and just tell you I love you and I miss you grandpa