June's Ears

My cousin's grandfather, my grandfather's brother passed away last night. He's always been someone I've admired. He's one of those oldtime gentlemen, dashingly handsome, smooth... I'd always envied my cousin for getting to have him around her whole life - 28 years, more than I had with my grandfather.

Warren's wife was hard of hearing and she relied on him to be her ears. He explained things to her when she didn't hear or understand them. He took care of her, told her when her hearing aids were buzzing b/c the fit wasn't correct. He was a man who raised six girls and a granddaughter and devoted his life to his family.

For various reasons, our families didn't see each other as much as we'd have liked. Like with anything, life gets in the way. But I know that both Warren and my grandfather were pleased with the fact that Jamie and I have become the best of friends over the years. She's the only person who gets why I cry whenever my grandfather is brought up in conversation. She knows I feel cheated. I love her and would do anything for her.

I asked Jamie tonight if there was anything her grandfather couldn't do. She said only what her grandmother didn't ask him to do. He couldn't refuse his wife. He was a creative man, intelligent and full of integrity. He believed that his girls were as capable as any boy and that every child was a blessing. I'm honored to have known him and to have been able to consider him family.

Blood isn't required to form family bonds. It's a Graham trait. Jack was a father by choice, Warren was a grandfather and uncle by one as well. Neither needed blood ties to except people as family. Lucky for me.

Jack, Warren and Virginia are together in heaven. Looking down on our "family" and smiling.