September 19, 2008

Today would have been my grandpa's (John L. Moore) 99th birthday. I miss him and his guidance and counsel. I wish he could see the person that I have become with my faith, my marriage, my family, my military career and my business which is named after him.

He was a man with an 8th grade education, build about the same as me, receding hairline and all. He was a fighter and a great salesman. He could pass off an old dog as a pup and get top dollar for him. And the dog would usually return in a few weeks for him to sell again. He taught me a lot about business and the value of being honest and true to your word. Most of his business dealings were done with a handshake.

He loved to drink. Drinking was a real struggle for him and brought out the bad in him. Watching him when he drank was one reason why I never enjoyed drinking. His example taught me self-control was something I did not want to lose. Or waking up in jail.

He married three times. He had a daughter by his first marriage, but I never knew her. My dad was his only child from the second marriage. And his third marriage was to my mom's mother after my dad and mom were married. He had known my mom's mother from her friendship with one of his sister. He was my grandfather and my step-grandfather. In case you're trying to figure this all out, I'll give you a little help. This third marriage made my mom and dad my aunt and uncle also.

He and my grandma raised her four remaining kids. He always considered them his kids whenever he spoke to me about them. I think he did what he could to be a father and regretted sometimes not being a good one. This was especially evident to me after my father died. He called me Jackie (my dad's name) for many years after my dad's death. He took me under his wing, teaching me what he knew about being a "good mechanic" even thought he was a carpenter. His definition of a good mechanic was someone who could work with their hands to make a living.

Well, this reflection on my grandfather is running long and he was not one to drag on. He liked getting to the meat of things so here goes...

I remember grandpa being baptized later in life and I was his godfather. Later I was his confirmation sponsor. I think in his own way he was trying to seek God's forgiveness for all the bad years of his life. I think he was also trying his best to go to heaven when he died so he could see my father. I could see that pain in him for many years after my father's death. I only wish I could have been more of a help to him in seeking God and knowing him in a personal relationship. My relationship with God came some years after his passing.

But if I know my grandfather, and he is in heaven, he is probably trying to sell God on some sort of remodeling project. And the deal will be closed with a handshake.