Twist Of Fate

Dear Grandpa,

I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to call lately. I have a new job and I've been pretty busy.

Anyway, how've you been? Watch anything good on t.v.? Read any interesting books? I

hear there's a white squirrel that comes to your door. Please send a picture. I'd love to see

it. Of course, you probably don't get a chance to get out much these days since you don't

drive anymore, but at least you don't have to deal with the icy roads.  Well, sorry I have to be

 so short. Just remember that I love you. At least that's something I hope you know.

Dear Grandpa,

Sorry I didn't call last weekend. I was out of town on business , as usual, and I didn't have a lot of

free time to relax. Travel was exhausting, the flight was delayed, there was a lot of turbulance and

a rough landing, which left a lot to be desired, I have to say. It's pretty nice to be back home again.

So what have you been up to? Did you watch the game? I was at work so I had to tape it. Maybe

I'll get a chance to watch it before someone tells me the score but that probably won't happen.

Well, I'm on my lunch break so I better get this in the mail and get back to work. Just take care of

yourself and make sure you get plenty of rest.

Dear Grandpa,

I received a call today. It was from Mom. She told me that you passed away. I wish I could have

found some way to know you better, but when I did call, you just didn't have too much to say to

me.

You weren't an easy man to know, let's just be honest about it. After you had to retire, you just

weren't happy and I couldn't make any suggestions. We weren't that close. No matter how I

reached out to you we just had the same conversation over and over and over and they got shorter

over time. Still, I hope you were proud of me for all the things I've done. I've always tried to be a

good person no matter what's gone on in my life.

Sometimes I wish things had been different and we never moved away. Who knows what would

have happened. Maybe we'd have found a way to be friends. I guess when your time comes, there

isn't much you can do about it, but in the years I have left I know that I'll never forget you. Just

remember that I loved you. At least I hope you knew that. I just feel so bad that it wasn't better for

you and I'll never forget what you said, 'never let anyone tell me the golden years are the best in

life.' And now there's nothing left to say except to say goodbye.