Is it possible to miss something you never had? Is it possible to miss someone you never knew? The answer is Yes! I never got to know either of my grandfathers growing up. They both died before I was old enough to remember them. I still had my Mom, Dad, and Nana but it wasn’t quite the same. We lived several miles from town. Dad worked long hours at his job as a mechanic. Mom and Nana were always busy keeping the house clean, the gardens growing, and our family fed. My two brothers were seven and five years older than me. I spent a lot of time then playing alone. Most of the time I had my dog and vivid imagination to keep me company but there were times that I really wanted someone to talk to, to take a walk with, or just to sit in silence beside.

It was then that I would imagine what it would be like to have my grandfather with me. It would be so great. We could take a walk up the railroad tracks holding hands and watching the leaves change in the fall. We could sit on the bank by the river and listen to the music of the water running over the rocks. We could have long talks where I poured out the problems I was struggling with. My granddad would listen quietly, smile, pat my back, and say something simple, yet profound that would ease my pain, lighten my load, and touch my heart. Looking back now I think I did have a wonderful grandfather even if only in my mind.

I think spending all that time alone with my imaginary granddad helped me during those lonely times in my life. He let me imagine who he was and he let me imagine who I wanted to be. I think a lot of what I imagined him to be too was sent to me from Heaven above. I think my Heavenly Father wanted me to know my earthly grandfather if not in person then at least in my heart, mind, and soul.

If your granddad or grandma is still alive then don’t just sit there. Go give them a hug. If they have already passed on to Heaven then send them your love on a prayer. Keep the memories of their love close to your heart too. Let them help you share your own love as well. Let them help you become the person you always wanted to be.