Grampy- John Hefty

Here's my grandpa, "Grampy", with my dear Aunt Lindee showing her best side! Grampy just had his birthday on June 5th, and he's been gone for almost two years now. I had always spent alot of time at my grandparents house growing up, and loved their yard which was about an acre that was all landscaped. There were trees to climb, cherries to pick, tetherball, and volleyball. They also had a hammock that I spent many an hour reading in. My grandfather taught me the game of jin rummy. He thought he taught me too well. A couple of times he would say in his disgusted tone, "It's been awhile since anyone beat my as* that bad, you little sh*t!" I loved it! In my younger years my grandpa was the quiet guy putzing around the yard, or sitting in his favorite chair reading his novels while popping peanut m&m's. After my "Nanny" had her stroke, Grampy had to start taking care of everything which meant that he actually had to talk and venture out more. He took a liking to it, and that's when I really got to understand him. It's sad to think that something horrible like her illnesses brought out the best in him, but it did. He took amazing care of her with a depth of love that brings tears to my eyes. It was in these later years of his life that he went from being just my grandpa, to being one of my best friends. I miss hearing about his newest and latest gadgets, sitting on the porch talking, and watching my kids try his patience! I am grateful though, that he got his wish to join Nanny again and that I had the time with him that I did. He was a very cool man, and I miss him!