Those Winter Sundays

“Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden really impressed me as telling a pretty complicated and important story in a very few words. It also touched me about how children don’t appreciate parents or grandparents very much. Children see most of the world in terms of themselves. In the last four years I have come to think more about this as both of my grandfathers have died. I have realized what a child I have been. Both men gave so many important things to me, but I think that I did not show enough appreciation.

One of my grandfathers was called “Papa,” which is sort of a southern term. He lived in West Virginia. He always showed me his love even though he could be stern. He gave me strong moral values and taught me to be kind. He was very hard working and taught me to be independent and happy. When I would go visit for a month in the summers, he was glad to see me. He told me to be a good boy and if I wasn’t he would “put me in my place.” He will always have a special place in my heart.

The other was called “Grandfather” and lived in Philadelphia. He was very funny and liked to joke around. I felt protected when we were together. He taught me that if you saved your money—no matter what your occupation—you could be wealthy in your old age. He grew up in the Great Depression, so that made a big impression on his thinking about using resources wisely. My Grandfather was very athletic and active. Whenever I exercise, I think of him. In fact, I think of him almost everyday.

My only regret is that I did not share these feelings with the two grandfathers when they were living. I feel sort of like the poem, “what did I know, what did I know” about making sure you share your feelings of appreciation when you can.