Little did I know this would be a life-changing day.

Around 10:35, a few of my friends were performing their skit about military history and the possibility of World War III, and that is when I saw it. An ambulance. Now ordinarily, it would never have bothered me, but there was something worrisome about this one; it was different. I found myself to be quite nervous. I wondered about that ambulance and the person within. I say this because my school was right down the road from my grandparent’s home, less than a mile. 

The whole day seemed to pass by so slowly. I was antsy. I just wanted to go home. Finally the bell rung at 2:50, telling us it was time to go home. The ride home I was sullen and abnormally quiet. I felt as if something bad had happened. Jason, Wade, and I were dropped off at our home. At 3:05, our house looked dreary and listless. I almost did not recognize it as I was let out of our carpooling van. Edging closer and closer to the door, I felt a knot in my stomach and again I felt that some nervousness that had stolen my attention in third hour. 

We walked through that big walnut colored door to see our mom sitting on the couch. This is never a good sign. She sat us down and explained with tears in her eyes the most unthinkable thing; Grandpa Hindes had passed away that morning. Life seemed to pause as if this moment would never fade. There was a lump in my throat. 

So today, Grandpa Hindes, I celebrate the memories we had for the first almost thirteen years of my life.

This is to my grandfather who introduced to wondrous sport of ice hockey. Who would let me sit in the driver's seat of his Mazda truck and honk the horn until neighbors complained of the annoyance it became. Who always came to Grandparents day at school and told jokes and bs stories to all my friends. Who was never too tired to stay up and read me stories before I went to bed. Who taught me that cowboys were far better than ninjas or pirates. Who gave me an appreciation for Clinton Eastwood and Charles Bronson action films. Who always took me to Cavis Grill to get a hot dog with French fries and chocolate milk. Who was always filled with love.

I will always love and cherish the time we spent together. Thank you for being a man of change. I am truly glad that you were and still are my grandpa. 

Nicholas Barthel Hindes

If you enjoyed reading this post, check out another one written by my dad about my grandfather being a man of change in our family. You can read it here. It is great read!