Memories

[GTO]

When my father in law passed away a few weeks ago, my son wrote this eulogy. Just wanted to share.

When I found out I lost my grandfather earlier this week, the first question to cross through my mind was "what was my favorite - my best memory with him?"

Well dozens of good times flashed in my head. But one in particular stuck.

My grandpa was more than just a grandfather. He was the man who introduced me to the lake, to the boat. He was the captain and I was his first mate.

He taught me everything important about the lake - like the best place to get ice cream by boat. He we was always up for an ice cream. Of course, anyone who knows my grandfather knows he was always up for anything he could eat.

He taught me how to navigate so we wouldn't run aground or crash into a rock. He always knew the right way to go.

I remember one bright, summer day looking over the bow of his boat and seeing rocks and shallow water below us.

I made sure he knew we were in shallow water. He made sure he let me know he knew what he was doing...that we were going the right way. He always knew the right way to go.

I remember idolizing the captain at his wheel. As soon as we pulled away from the dock, I'd look at my grampa and say the same three words he came to expect: "Can I drive?"

And every time I asked, the captain was happy to give up the wheel and let me steer for a while.

And then he had a stroke. So it was my turn to take over as captain.

I remember the first time my grandpa came back to the lake after the stroke. We took him on the boat to all his favorite places. He couldn't see where we were - but I'd slow the boat down and point over the edge.

"Grandpa, do you know where we are?"

And every time he'd tell you exactly where he was, like he was just there yesterday, pointing out the same landmark to me and asking me the same question.

I can name just about every island on the lake. I know the best places to get ice cream. And after taking a boating course, I ACTUALLY know how to watch out for rocks.

And every time it's time for a boat ride, I get behind the wheel. I'm the captain now.

This is how I will keep my grandpa with me. He taught me so much and was more than just a grandfather.

Just two days ago, while on the boat, I took the long way home.

My mom asked: "where are you going?"

I just pointed straight ahead.

There's this narrow channel tucked away between an island and the main land on Winnipesaukee. It's just big enough for one boat to go through at a time. It lets out maybe a quarter mile away on another part of the lake. It's called Sally's Gut. Nobody else will ever understand why that place is so important to me. Even I don't understand what makes it special. I just remember that my grandpa and I shared that place. And for some reason, when I was younger, it was the COOLEST place on the lake. It was our place.

I drive the boat right into the mouth of Sally's Gut...and slow down.

I just smile. Grandpa used to take me here all the time.