Thank you for everything, Grandad Arthur!
Now listen here, Tom, since youve taken a wife, you ought to cherish her. And if you cant, then do her a kindness and let her go, Grandad Arthur shook his fist at me, barely holding back a proper telling off.
Yes, yes, I understand, Grandad! I shielded my head with my hands, dodging Grandads mock swipes.
***
As far back as I can recall, I always lived with Grandad Arthur and Granny Margaret. My parents werent far off, reallyjust at the other end of our little village in Yorkshirebut the real home to me was Grandads cottage.
My mum had me young, and she and my dad split up almost before I could remember. Mum had her hands full trying to make a life for herself, so I spent most of my days (and nights) with her parents. Grandad was the one who really raised me.
Why didnt you help Granny with the chickens this morning? Grandad would say, waking me with a nudge after coming back from mowing the back field.
She didnt wake me up, I was still asleep, Grandad, Id mumble, rubbing my eyes.
Oh, didnt she now? Odd how when theres breakfast to be had, you seem to wake up all by yourself, eh? Farm lifes no place for lazybones, lad! Up with the sun, jobs to be done. Ill be checking tomorrowoversleep again, and youll go without breakfast, Grandad tried to instil the value of hard work from the earliest days.
Sure enough, next morning I was out of bed before the cockerel, trying not to let Grandad down. Going hungry didnt appeal much, and even more I really didnt want to disappoint him. He could make you feel so guilty with just a few words, it worked better than a smack ever could.
Thats how I grew upjust Grandad, Granny, and me. Mum had a new family by then. Id visit her sometimes, but it never truly felt like homeher new husband barely noticed me, and I always felt out of place. Id play with my little stepbrother a bit, but soon enough Id make my excuses and dash back to Grandad and Granny.
At fourteen, I fell in with the village lads and wed spend whole days fishing by the river. While Grandad was working the fields, Granny managed all the chores by herself. Once Grandad cottoned on, he decided to catch me in the act.
Hold it right there, you rascal! he barked, stepping onto the path before me.
My heart jumped into my throat, but I stopped, blinking sheepishly.
Where do you think youre off to at sparrows fart? Done all your chores, have you? Or is Granny left to run the farm by herself while you laze about by the water with your mates? he tugged gently on my ear, just enough to make his point.
Sorry, Grandad. Youre right, Ill head straight back and sort it all, I stammered, cheeks burning with shame.
Good lad. Well have a proper fishing day soon, once the works done and dusted. First graft, then pleasure.
Thats the way I was brought uphard graft and respect. Only later, when Id grown, did I realise just how much Grandad had given me. He was more a father to me than anyone.
After finishing my National Service, I came back to the village to drive tractors for a local farmer. Scraped together enough to buy a cosy little cottage and soon found myself yearning for a family of my own. Id fallen for Emilya lovely girl from one of the bigger local families, as modest as she was hardworking. We courted for half a year, then tied the knot.
A year on, Emily gave birth to our daughterlittle Sophie. I was over the moon. Now wed become a real family. We visited Grandad and Granny all the time, and the old folks loved having us. Grandad doted on Sophie, always making toys for her by handnever bought, always homemade. Wooden cradles for her dolls, and wooden animals carved with his own penknife.
One evening, Grandad came over to deliver a wooden swing hed just finished for Sophie. Walking in, he noticed Emily rubbing away tears, turning her head so he wouldnt see.
Come on, whats all this, Emily? You dont cry for nothing. Grandads voice was gentle, but he knew trouble when he saw it.
Its Tom, Grandad, Emily said, not bothering to hide her tears now. Out with his mates again, and now the money wed set aside for the new bathroomgone.
Oh, thats rich! Hell get a piece of my mind, Grandad stormed out to the front garden, still holding the swing.
Please, Grandad, talk to him. Hell listen to youjust dont be too hard, yeah? He does respect you, Emily pleaded.
Go on in with Sophie, dear. Ill wait for him out herelet the fresh air cool me off a bit, Grandad said, pulling his old tin of roll-ups from his pocket as he settled on the step.
I came home late, clearly having had more pints than I should. I spotted Grandad on the porch and sobered up instantlyshame prickling up my neck.
What are you doing out here at this hour, Grandad? I tried to joke.
Im here to put some sense back in that thick head of yours. Grandad grabbed me by the collar, shaking me firmly.
I was taller than him by now, but I couldnt resistthere was no answer to that steady, unwavering authority.
Whereve you been, eh? Youve got a wife and a daughter at home, but youre still galavanting about like a reckless lad? he scolded, fist raised.
Grandad, please, I swear its the last time. Let me go, I promise, I muttered, looking away.
Youre no boy nowyou ought to know better. This isnt what I raised you for, nor what I stood in for your father for. Family is the best thing youll ever have, and if youve taken on such a responsibility, you see it through. Look after your home, mind your wife. Thats my last word on it. And if you dont listenwell, youre never too big for a good hiding! he let me go with a final shake and trudged off back home.
I never went carousing with the lads again after thatshame still burning in my chest. When Grandad passed away, his words have stayed with me ever since: Keep your house in order, and cherish your wife.
He truly was a wise old soul, my Grandad Arthur. Folks like him are the backbone of the village.
Thank you for everything, Grandad.
Thank You for Everything, Granddad George!
