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.
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I learned a lot from this post! I have always loved that classic picture of you, handsome guy.
You don’t know me, Russ, but I happened upon your website by accident tonight. I’ve only been in Montana for about 5 1/2 years but I love it as if I had been born and raised here. I’ve spent the past hour reading many of the wonderful stories on your blog. The last sentence in this one made me both laugh and cry. I have two grandsons myself, and am so glad to be able to watch them growing up. And I am very glad they didn’t have to “make me up”. Thanks so much for sharing your stories!
Thanks Barb for your comment and yes we are lucky to be here to enjoy our grandkids… Hope you keep comin by…
Love this – and love the photographs – it’s so fun to see which relative/ancestor we resemble….even when you have to “make them up”. Great childhood memories! Thankful I got to share a few memories with you!
Thanks Susan for stopping by and reading. I appreciate all your comments. Keep coming back..
I never knew either of my Grandfathers, either. .Except through the stories I’ve been told. They sound like great guys,too!Thanks for sharing!
Michelle thanks for stopping by. I wish I’d known my Grandpa’s too. I am glad my Ma and Pa told me what they did about both.. Keep comin back, I appreciate your time.
You look very much like your Grandpa. I don’t have imaginary relatives, but I still a relationship with George that is ongoing. I truly believe that he is with me every day.
I’m sure he is Mary, I know I can still hear him telling stories and laughing that is for sure.. Miss that George.
Spitting image there Slim !
Thanks Jim.