I remember a time when I was about 7 or 8 or so. Poppy came and picked me up from my house and took me to his. I don't remember why it was just him and I in the car. I know I was going to spend the weekend up at Nanny and Poppy's. Or something like that. I really don't remember anything about why this car ride was taking place. But I remember the car ride. I have always loved to talk. And that car ride, with Poppy's undivided attention - I was in hog heaven! I talked his ear off, the entire 1 hour car ride. I talked about school, about friends, who knows what other deep thoughts I had as an 8 year old. And he just listened. I don't think I let him get a word in edgewise. I heard him talking to Nanny that night. "Oh boy - that girl can talk and talk." But he wasn't complaining. I really felt like he enjoyed listening to me as much I enjoyed talking. 

Today would have been Poppy's 83rd birthday. My heart is so heavy. I miss him so much lately. My heart breaks for my Nanny. She's doing amazingly well, and she shocks me with how independent she can be. She showed me all that she did by herself - moving furniture, painting basement stairs, hanging curtains. And she's surrounded by her 3 daughters who take great care of her. But still. I can't imagine the emptiness that must come when someone who has been by your side for 55 years is no longer there.

Today for Poppy's birthday we are having clams for dinner. And listening to some patriotic music. Maybe I'll put on some Rush Limbaugh while I'm at it.