Special Date in History

May 16, 2021 marks a special day for my family  - 100 years ago to the day that my grandfather Jerry was born. 

He was a baseball player and the editor of his high school newspaper, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He put in 20 years in the Navy, and moved the family to California when he was through. He was a devoted husband to Jean and a loving father to Linda, Kerry and Chris. He was always joking, always had a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.

He was the best grandpa. He and Grandma took me on countless trips in their fifth-wheel, taught me to ride a bike and play cards, came to all my games and school performances. 

As I got older, he'd bring me coffee in bed when I spent the night, and he kept a scrapbook of all my newspaper clippings as I became a budding reporter. We were close; I was blessed.

I only wish he could have met Stace. He passed a year and a half before I met my own blue-eyed funny man. Happy 100th birthday, Grandpa. Still miss you, and will always love you.