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“Would You Please Be My Grandpa?” Print E-mail
Written by John J. “Penny” Panciera   
Monday, 11 January 2010 00:00
Inspired by a true incident after 6-year-old neighbor
Braden DeRoss’ very own grandfather went to heaven.

“Would You Please Be My Grandpa?”

“Would you please be my Grandpa?”
The invitation came as a surprise,
I looked down to see a smiling face
Through my rapidly moistening eyes.

When you’re in your mid-eighties as I am
Many requests will come your way
But are you ever ready for a six-year-old
And what he has to say?

I’ve been around children most of my life
And God knows they’re special to me.
Nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters,
New arrivals I can’t wait to see.

Total strangers, no matter the color
Bring a smile to this weather-beaten face.
Some shy away from this stranger’s approach,
To be bashful is no disgrace.

“Yes, little friend, I’ll be your Grandpa
And thank you for letting me in.”
Your upbringing is apparent
Honoring old folks is never a sin.

Is a child in need of a companion?
You have but to send them around.
“Grandpa” may mean “ancient” to many
But to me it’s a warming sound!

By John J. “Penny” Panciera
Conneaut Lake