Papa's Visit

I had a dream last night.  It was really nice.  I dreamt that my grandfather was here.  I didn't dream that he hadn't passed away, but rather that he had... come back.  That he had been in a coma or something rather than dead.

I took him around town, showed him the sights.  After all, he hadn't been around for fifteen years.  A lot has changed.  The world has changed.  I've changed.

I gave him my iPhone and taught him how to use it.  We went to Wal-mart and looked at all the new stuff.  We got some tools for his tomato garden.

We talked.  We laughed.  We smiled.  And I realized something I hadn't known before.

I miss him.

I was only ten years old when Papa passed away, but I still remember his smile, his face, his blue eyes.  I remember his rough skin brushing against my cheek when he kissed me good night when my dad and I were leaving his house.

And I got to experience that again, in my dream.  I got to show Papa how I'd grown, how I've changed.  I got to show him how I wasn't a little boy anymore, but a man -- a man who's had a ton of bad things happen and still came through.

I'd catch Papa looking at me, smiling at me.  There was a distant look in his eyes sometimes, and I think he was trying to absorb me into his memory, to memorize every little detail in me.

I think Papa missed me too.

The last thing I remember before waking up, was Papa turning to look at me, a sparkle in his eyes.  And I know my grandfather misses me.  And I know he loves me with all his heart.

I love you too, Papa.

Hobo packets!

Good recipe for a quick and easy dinner!

Hobo Packets

Ground Beef

Onion

Potatoes

Baby Carrots

Aluminum Foil

Dale's Sauce (optional)

Make patties out of the ground beef. Peel and slice onion. Slice potatoes into chunks. Place each patty in the center of a large sheet of foil. Top with onion, potatoes, and carrots. Add 2 T of sauce, if using. Close packet and seal well. Bake in oven at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour, or until done.

I am so glad I have one of these left in the fridge! I'm popping it in the oven to heat up for myself now!

Damn, Cubs!

Better win Game 2!