I am watching CNN, as usual.
Remembering Ronald Reagan

They remind me so much of my Grandpa and Grandma Smith.

I’m watching the coverage and watching Mrs. Reagan. I hold her in complete admiration-thinking about the strength she displayed as her husbands caretaker for the last 10 years. The idea of someone loving another and serving with that kind of unselfish compassion warms my heart…inspires my spirit and makes me wistful.

Ronald Reagan is the first President that I remember, although I was born in 1973. I guess Carter never left an impression on me…too young? The first Presidential election I remember following was Reagan vs. Mondale. I guess 84 was the year I became politically aware of my surroundings…

Anyhow…watching this coverage has really taken me back…back to the time of living with Grandma and Grandpa Smith. Growing up living with my dad’s parents was such an incredible blessing. I was able to share daily moments with my grandparents that many other grandchildren never could…But this also meant that I watched my Grandpa’s health slowly fade…he had Parkinsons and Alzheimer’s. Grandma Smith and my mom took care of my Grandpa so he was able spend his final days in the house he built. With the family he created. I remember being scared at times. We would wake up with Mom and Dad searching for Grandpa…and then they would find him outside in the ditch by the road “digging ditches for the train tracks.” Grandpa eventually started forgetting more and more, and as a young child I could not understand why Grandpa would think the play-doh cookie I made for him was real and take a bite of it…I thought he was playing…mom made sure I understood. I really was quite protective of Grandpa Smith. I made sure I sat next to him at dinner…no one else. I was the one next to him in photos. My Grandpa. The day Grandpa passed away, June 5th 1984 was the first and last time I remember seeing my father cry…20 years…the date has been nagging me this week. June 5th, what on earth was June 5th? Why is this *DATE* sticking in my head? And after hearing about Ronald Reagan’s passing…I remembered.

My Grandparents were truly honorable people. I was able to spend many years with my Grandma Smith after Grandpa passed away, She became my best friend. After losing Grandma…and Dad just a few months later, well my life has never ever been the same. But I am who I am today because of them…It hurts thinking about it…

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