Remembering "Sam".
My much loved grandfather.
His sir name, John Bertman Ryan.
Yesterday, on July 19, he passed.
Time past and time present.
Then, 33 years ago (1981).
Even thought I was 30 years old,
A father myself,
My childhood world ended with his passing.
He was 87.

Now, a grandfather,
I carry with quiet pride his legacy.
And each day I rediscover and learn anew
What he knew naturally.

Thankful for these inner images.
He (and JPR) took a "a leave of presence",
To use Roger Ebert's haunting phrase.

They are still present,
Mentors and guides.

He was a quiet man.
A man of good heart.
"Salt of the earth".
A carpenter.
He built two of their homes on Brown Avenue
And he built a family store.
He built a world for his family literally.
I need to remember that fact.
A builder.
A fisherman.
A simple man in the best sense with few needs.
He enjoyed a glass of port in the evenings.
Born in Newfoundland, Canada.

I carry a book of his memories, inside, all good.

I stood on the shoulders of two giants.
"Luckier than many" because of them.