The Bounties of the Rod
Here I am, cleaning out the shed of my house. I found a fishing rod, which happens to be my grandfather’s. Staring at it, my mind my mind goes back to 2007. I’m standing over the hole that they have created for Wardell Robinson. Who happens to be my dear loved grandfather. I’m shedding the last tears my eyes will ever cry out for him. Thinking I will no longer see him after having a long week go by. Every weekend is the highlight of my life. Just knowing I will get to see him Saturday morning.
The day has come to an end, and I’m getting ready for bed. Today has been a long day and I truly want to sleep. I’m sleeping extremely peaceful and my dad comes in my room yelling, “Get up, grandpas in the hospital and were going to see him!” It’s 3 o’clock in the morning and we are all grabbing random clothes to put on.
Driving two and a half hours to get to Little Rock Hospital, we finally arrive. Trembling over the stairs to get to his room… I see everyone is all here. No one is in tears, so I know everything is okay. They’re explaining to me that he has a gallbladder problem and pneumonia.
It’s Thanksgiving Day, and we are all sitting around enjoying the delicious food prepared. The doctors told us my grandpa wouldn’t make it, but he’s still here. Everyone smiling… “Ring, ring, ring” the phone goes off. It’s 6 o’clock, I wonder what’s wrong. My aunt utters, “grandpa is gone..” I drop the shrub of bacon I am eating, my eyes filled with water.
Now riding behind the family funeral car, on our way to the church. The preacher is preaching a wonderful sermon, but I’m still crying. Why? I know he’s in a better place now. So what’s the reason of my tears? Realizing I am seeing him for the last time, I want to touch him... but I don’t! My fear of dead people stopping me! Woodard’s Funeral Home has him looking so great… I grin! I drop the fishing rod….. Coming back to reality. Grandpa has been gone for 5 years now. I shut the door of the shed, and walk away where his pieces remain...
