Postcard to Heaven — I never called you Grandpa.

August 21, 2023

Doc — — Katie Michaelson’s photo

Dear Doc,

It’s typical Iowa August weather: 84 as I write, going up to 92. The humidity is high.

I’m sad thinking of you. I liked you.

A breeze flowed through the kitchen as you’d make toast in that V-shaped toaster with drop-down sides.

Gooseberry jam!

A round oak table, blue checked tablecloth, drip coffee maker, and warm mugs were the backdrop for easy conversations. You’d pull a large white hanky out of your pocket, wipe your nose from side to side, and tell me stories.

I wish I’d asked you about:

• WW I and II
• The Depression
• Raising 7 kids alone
• What happened to Hilda

But you taught me how to work with concrete, lay field stones, pick wild gooseberries for jam, and gather black walnuts!

I love you, Grandpa,
Katie

Inspired by BJ Stone’s story, My Grandpa.