Daniel Pierce Davies

Grandpa, I will never forget you. I am glad I can be your grandson. Your eldest grandson. You taught me how to ride a horse. You took me in your truck to irrigate fields, you let me be part of it all, you asked me questions. You said I was a good kid. You smiled at me and scuffed my hair and after you did, you said my full name. You talked out loud so I could you. You involved me in what you were doing, I didn't feel babysat by you. I felt taken care of, I felt important, like there are so many things I am about to do and that is they way things will always be. You talked to me about my mom, although I do not remember what you said, I think I can hear you talk about how my mom gives the best haircuts, how lucky I was to have her as a mother.

The tarp was in the back of the truck. A metal pole ran through one end of the tarp. We brought Bear, your dog with us. She would jump up into the truck and jump out when we got there. We put the tarp down over the ditch. We placed rocks on the tarp, the pool was above the ditch creating the perfect dam. The field started to flood. We would come back latter, often you would do this part by yourself before dinner. We went to your house on the hill, with it's big window overlooking the town. The piano there where grandma would cheerfully play, you would sing with a smile on your face next to her. I would listen, I imagine myself standing next to the piano.

I don't know who you really were. I only know how you came to be through stories, mostly told to me from Grandma. She loves you so much. I hope you are with her now. Back to what I was saying, I don't know who you really are. All I know is my 11 year old memory of you and the memories from earlier years. I know you baptized me. I know you gave all of us blessings. I know you gave my mom father blessings. I know you liked my father, and gave him positive potential. Let me let you know he is a great dad. I would think it would be hard to to give him such a positive potential, when they come from a different culture and different beliefs and they are about to marry your beloved daughter. I know you love my mom very much. I remember how my mom missed you. To loose your father must be so hard. ..I just tried to call her, no answer. I sent her a text. She is the greatest! Thanks for raising her, and being a father a daughter can love, be proud of, and always look up to.

I am writing this because as I am laying here in my apartment, I think of those I love who are not here with me. Grandpa, today I am thinking of you. You are influencing my life for the better, and I know you always will. I attribute all the good things in my life to my family, and to Heavenly Father. The things I like, the way i am, is an accumulation of the influences and choices of family whose past. I am listening to soothing music, piano, some songs with strings, and a strong but light voice, with words of spiritual things. This appreciation of music Grandpa, comes from our family. Thank you.

You will never be forgotten.