Grandpa Crites Absent but there

Both my Grandpa’s were dead by the time I was born. I never knew either one of them. My Mom’s Dad was Grandpa Light. Floyd Light or Bud to his family and friends. Now there is another story for another time.. Yes I said Bud Light, long before the beer brand. The story today is about my other Grandpa Jonathan Robert Crites or Jont as his family called him. He had a brother John and yes his name was Jonathan, guess they ran out of names.

Having seen neither Grandpa or having them die before I was born didn’t stop me from having a great relationship with my Grandpa Jont. Some boys have imaginary friends and playmates, mine was my ol’ Grandpa Crites. Dad said I always was going hunting and fishing with my Grandpa Jont.

Little Boy with a vivid imagination

Me and Grandpa did a lot of things together. You must understand that I spent a lot of time by myself when I was young. I always felt this connection with Grandpa Crites. I think it bothered my Dad a little as he was raised by his Ma after he was 5.

It’s a fascinating thing to wonder where children get their imaginary friends and in my case my ol’ Grandpa. Here is a picture of him and me.

Grandpa Jont

Russ channeling Grandpa Jont

I dressed in period clothes for the picture, I was a little younger maybe than he when the picture was taken. My imaginary Grandpa always said I should have the moustache. Who’s to say that he didn’t talk to me and help me along? Maybe he made up for lost time with my Dad, who knows.

Anyway I’m grateful I’m still around so my Grandkids don’t have to make me up.