He sits and thinks back over his life

Lost his mother at the age of 2
Father was a drunk that loved yet hated with the same heart
Left home at the age of 12 to be with his brother
Returned to enlist in the second world war
Lied like many others about who and how old he was

Lands on a beach in Tobrook
With 40 rounds and no more
Kills men with his own hands at the age of 16

"Sorry for lying Sir" he says
Just wanted to help
He can drive so rather than being a Rat
He is a troop transporter

Driving men both friends and unknown
Then bringing them back injured and dead yet able to go home

He returns to his love and his daughter
His mind is a mess
Takes his time getting himself well

Finally a son is born and lost
It is better than loosing his soul mate
Another daughter and then a third
Finally a son that will be adhored

Driving trucks
Owning his own business
Watching and helping his children grow

Soon grandchildren arrive
"Bloody Hell I nearly had Plastic Pups"
Silly old bastard you always fall for that

Watching with pride as his family grows
Greatgrand children soon here
Watching them grow with his love by his side.

Goes away as a couple
But comes home alone
Heart shattered
Life is never going to be the same

Heart getting weaker
Pride coming to much
I am not going to be a child again

He sees his love
He sees his son
He says goodbye

A proud man
A hero
A teacher
A best friend

This is my grandfather
I miss ya mate
Love you forever

*********************************************

My grandfather passed away on January 27th 2007
I have written about him before
This is a very brief overview of what a man he was and what a life he had