My grandpa would be eighty today. He would if it weren't that he died this month, December 8th to be exact. This is my tribute to his life, one which I neglected to write earlier, and it seems appropriate to write it now on his birthday. His name was Jerry Watkins. I lived in a house on the hill above his for thirteen months when I was kid, but I was too young to appreciate what he was as a person. He was a kind man. Not perfect to be sure, as none are, but he was a good man, let no mistake be made. For most of my life, I only ever saw him occasionally; perhaps five times a year or so, but even still I was able to learn what an intelligent and interesting man he was. He had a sharp, quick wit, and told some of the funniest stories. He knew history better than any person I can think of and he spoke Spanish fluently. Also, he served in our country's military. I think the one thing I admire most about him was his tireless devotion to his family and their welfare, and he certainly knew what it meant to work hard. He had six children with his wife Edwina, one of which was my mother, and all of them became successful, hard-working adults with good families of their own. One could see my grandfather's influence in the way they conducted themselves and in their love for the Lord. I wish I had some sort of anecdote of my one that could help to exemplify his character, but I do not. I sincerely regret that I did not know this great man very well. The one thing I can offer though, is his favorite song: the Irish folk classic "Oh Danny Boy". Grandpa Watkins was partly Irish, but what makes this song significant to me is that when I hear it, I can sort of see his face. It sounds like being with him. I don't think the man and the song will ever be separate in my mind for as long as I live. It is a song as beautiful as his life.
Happy Birthday, Grandpa.
"Oh Danny Boy" on YouTube
