5 years ago today, I lost one of the best men in my life. I will never forget that day. I was in Vegas playing softball with all my friends. We were out of the tournament and driving our rented mini van with about 9 of is in it down the strip to go shopping. We were laughing and having a great time.My phone rings and the caller ID shows as my grandparents house. My grandparents have always been so supportive of my softball and one of them always would call me to see how I was doing or to wish me good luck.
When I answered the phone I was excited to talk to whichever one it was. I say "hello". It's my mom and not either of my grandparents. All she said is "Beck" after I answered. By the sound of her voice, I knew something bad had happened to one of my grandparents. All I could say to my mom was "which one?". My mother answers me with "Opa". All I remember is throwing my phone in the van and falling apart. Melissa picked up the phone and finished speaking to my mother. My world changed at that moment. The man that has more or less been my father figure the majority of my life was now gone.
My grandfather Bob Frank Walters. I miss him everyday more and more. I remember many great things about my grandfather. Here is a list of them that I hold dear to my heart.
1. Biscuit Butt
2. Utah Summer Games
3. Him at my softball games
4. Always giving 110%
5. If you want something done right, just do it yourself!! (he was very stubborn and wanted things done his way.)
6. Eating his marciano cherries out of the jar and putting the fork into the roof of my mouth so he wouldn't catch me. I didn't cry until my mom got home hours later. My mouth hurt so bad!
7. Raiders vs. Broncos - blood money bets
8. Him accepting me and loving me the way I am
9. Not killing me when I got my DUI (I didn't tell him for months after I got it. I was so ashamed)
10. Him being him and ALWAYS being there for me.
I never knew how much pain my grandfather was going through in the last year or so of his life. When I first found out he had passed I was so angry. When I started talking to my grandma and mother I found out all these problems he had been having. He was in pain so much and was going blind. After about 6 months of being pissed off I came to the conclusion that his body was failing him and he was hurting so bad. After those first 6 months, I became grateful that he no longer had to suffer or hurt.
Grandpa, I miss and love you so much and think of you everyday.
Love,
Biscuit Butt
