More Memories

As kids, whenever we would pull Grandpa's ears, his teeth would magically fall out. We did this for years and years, never tiring of the trick!

Grandpa wasn't easily impressed. One of my favorite stories was when he was in Iowa for a visit and I was making small talk with him and my parents' dear friend, Peter. I said, "Grandpa, can you believe Pete just turned 50 this year and ran a marathon!?" Grandpa's response was, "So what? Jews have been running their whole lives!"

Grandpa loved my kids. He really had a deep fondness and connection with them, even though he only got to see them once or twice a year. We've spoken on the phone frequently throughout my adult years and every single time we spoke he asked about my boys. How was Eliot? Was he still smart as a whip? He's such a tender, sweet boy, that one. How about Emerson? Such a quiet, reserved boy. Just like his dad. Grandpa Nat loved my husband Matt and often told him that he felt like Matt was a great listener and he felt he could talk to Matt about anything. And, how about that Hammy? Did you REALLY name him after my father? What an honor. Hammy is such a funny child. Watch out. He likes to tell stories and have the attention of the crowd. Reminds me of someone I know!

Grandpa and Hammy had a very special bond over Grandpa's glasses and Grandpa's cane. Hammy sat many times on Grandpa's lap and took his glasses on and off, on and off. They played this game for hours during their visits. And, Grandpa Nat's cane often became a microphone for Hammy. They really were two peas in a pod. :)

I wish so much that Grandpa could have gotten to know our little girl, Scarlett Rose. And, yet, somehow she is a constant reminder of him to me. She has his mouth. We call her Grandpa Nat a lot! :)

Grandpa leaves a big legacy. I'm grateful to be in it.