Hello Mr. Soldier

Every year on the day before Veteran's Day, I tell my class the story of how my grandather was wounded in Italy during World War II. I hope to inspire them to call any relatives that might be veterans. I also tell them how my grandfather once dared a bratty young cousin who was terrorizing all the kids, including my mom, to hit him as hard as he could in his leg. Of course, he didn't bother to warn the kid that if he hit his artificial leg, he would hurt his hand. Sure enough, the kid wound up and hit with all of his might. The kid learned his lesson after that.

I've headed to Maryland to visit with my terminally ill grandfather the last two weekends. Before I left, I asked my class to write notes to him. I told them not to write things like "Get Well Soon" since he won't be getting better. I also told them not to write things like, "I'm sorry to hear you are dying." 16 of the 17 kids listened to my directions beautifully. I gave my grandfather the sixteen cards on Friday. It was wonderful to see his eyes light up as he read each one. Here are a select few.




Joey was very impressed that my grandfather is a Redskins' fan.


Ah yes, the ever popular football playing bat.



Ian's message is quite heartfelt but not entirely appropriate to give to my grandfather. Also, I can't quite figure out if he is making a reference to dying as being like falling into a dark pit, making a reference to the World Trade Center, or simply professing his love for the second Elliott Smith record.