Grandpa Howard was always entertaining me with the stories of his own grandfathers. He recounted how his own grandfather Howard passed away on May 8, 1891, the day after Grandpa became 16.
As he told the story:
I’d known him from infancy and often seen him working on the farm. I have also heard him preach. I thought of him as being high-spirited, energetic and of unquestionable integrity.
But I did not realize then, the fullness of threescore years and 10; that numbered his days. About one year before his death, I saw him planning some small fruit trees, and asked, “Why are you putting them out, they will never do you any good?” He replied, “I do not expect to eat their fruit, perhaps you can.”
A few months ago, I passed by where the orchard had once been. The trees are all gone and no trace of them remains, except the fadeless picture in memory. Yes, grandfather planted trees in lights evening, that others might enjoy the fruit of his labors. The language of the poet, “Never, though the winds may rave, falter or look back; but on the darkest wave, leave a shining track.”
He went on to say that it may not be amiss for the aged to entertain daydreams of the past. So many days have gone before and so few remain I would not scorn that sequestered reverie, er slumber’s chain has bound me, fond memory rings the light of other days around me. However welcome the lingering thoughts that flood the soul, they should not obscure the challenge of today, or the beckoning goal for tomorrow.
As the shadows lengthen, must the eyes grow too dim to see nature’s wonderous beauty, the ears too dull to hear sweet strains of music, must the hearts door be closed from communion with others?
If through the years we have gained lasting friends, their fellowship will bring added pleasure when we need it most. Thus may we find that there is still sugar in the bottom of the cup. Nothing great is lightly won, nothing sweet is lost; every good deed, nobly done, will repay the cost.
Now it is my turn to tell the grandchildren the family stories of their grandfather’s grandfather’s grandfather.