Adventures
On having a shared birthday.
I wanted to take a break from sharing my latest adventure this week, and use this opportunity to wish a happy birthday to my Grandpa. We share a birthday, and since he’s been passed on for several years now, our birthday always feels like there’s a piece missing.
My Grandma has told me that his spirit lives through me from my off-the-wall stories that I make up on the spot to my sense of humor. Each birthday that passes, I find myself missing him more and more. Cancer does terrible things to a family.
My Grandpa was a great man. He’s probably what you’d picture when you think of the phrase “red-blooded American.” He shot guns, hunted deer, smoked weed, and brewed his own dandelion wine. He and my Dad both inspired the name of this blog. “Carissa Mae, whaddya say” is something that they would sing-song to me when I was little.
I wish every day that I got more time with my Grandpa because I just know that he’d love my Jeep and the adventures I’m always going on with ol’ Tank. “You have fun climbing those rocks, granddaughter,” is something he’d probably say before I drive out to Uwharrie for the weekend.
He’d love my fiancé, Dylan. Those two would have gotten along just fine, but I’m sure Grandpa would have taken him out back, shoot off a few rounds, point at the target and declare, “That could be you.” All to ensure that Dylan behaves himself.
I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I don’t think of my Grandpa. He taught me how to shoot guns, how to keep your pocket knife sharp, and he once held the stick of a lollipop between his fingers, made a fist, and informed me that “anything can become a weapon.” He was always looking for ways to encourage me and my sister to learn to protect ourselves, and I have carried those teachings with me all my life.
He’s a big part of the reason why I have a knife collection, why I’m constantly observing my surroundings, and why I’ll always be prepared and ready to defend others and myself should the need ever arise. While some might think that I come from a gun-nut, prepper family (not entirely wrong), I’ll always say that I’d rather be prepared and have the right tools for the job, than to not have them when you need them the most.
Anyway, all this to say happy birthday, Grandpa. Here’s to your 70th, and my 27th. Love you. Miss you. Thank you for everything. ♥
—Carissa
I'll have to read this later when I'm not at work😭