Grandpa's Hands

My Grandpa's hands are strong but caring hands. His hands fought in WWII, boxed in the Golden Gloves, tried out for the olympic skating team, and loved his wife for 49 years. Grandpa's hands have raised 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and now 6 great grandchildren. He is loved by all! My Grandpa has made many a great things for us with his hands. Despite his arthritis he finds time to counter -cross- stitch, quilt by hand, and even hang chair rails in one of his grandchildren's old condos. My grandpa lived during the great depression, and remembers waiting in line for a ration of gas to put into the car. He met my mother when she was two years of age. My Grandpa married my Grandma on leave from the Navy Dec 25. In those times most folks were unsure if there would be a next day, so he asked my Grandma if she wanted to get pregnant knowing that he may ship out, and possibly not return home to her. Well he did and she did and thus out came my Mom a little later. I still have a picture of the first time he met my Mom. My Grandpa was wearing his letter jacket from highschool. My Grandpa's hands have done many a tasks but none as great as holding a great grandchild close to his heart....