When I was little, Grandpa seemed to be at work, all the time! I spent a lot of time getting to know Grandma during grandchildren's week and even more so when I was doing some housecleaning for them but I usually only saw Grandpa if he stopped by the condo for a quick lunch and we didn't chat much when he did. Of course everyone would see him during his famous birthday party's on Boxing Day, but I feel like I didn't really visit with him much then either.
As a teenager I envied the relationship that my younger cousins seemed to have... Grandpa cuddling..What?! I have a picture (below) of Sarah curled up with Grandpa, and I just don't remember ever doing the same.
All that said - over the last few years, through fundraising for the Crandlemire-Keenleyside Family Legacy Fund for his birthdays and then through his developing a relationship with Jordan and I as a couple, I have felt more connected with him then ever before. When in Golden, I often go for lunch with Grandma, but when they come through Calgary together, we often all go out (Grandma, Grandpa, Jordan and I) for lunch or dinner - and I so enjoy that time together.
I have shared more stories, subtle jokes and quiet tears (of joy and of sorrow) in the last few years then I ever have, and while I sometimes still envy those who got to know the 'retired' Grandpa before they knew the working Grandpa (not that he's every actually retired) - I consider myself lucky that I've gotten to know him in such a special way.
He's taught me, somehow through very few words, that family is the most important thing we have and not only our family through blood but the families that we choose and the communities that we live in.
