One week after my son was born, my grandfather passed away. I wanted them to know each other, but time did not cooperate. I wrote this introduction of Holden to my grandfather.(excuse the sap,...it was a sappy time)

An Introduction

I would like to tell you of
a new friend I've grown to love,
a special kind of friend in many ways.

He favors you, no doubt,
has that long, flat, Tucker mouth,
he's someone with whom you'd like to spend the day.
(I think you'd like him)

When I'm down, he'll come around,
with a smile or sometimes a frown,
but either way he brings me joy with every word.

He's just like you, that way
and he likes to be out all day.
And if he can't he throws the worst fit ever heard.
(I think you'd like him)

So innocent and small,
but he looks like he's going to be tall,
his speech gets plainer every passing minute.

He loves music and he sings
loud enough to make the rafters ring.
You know, I can't recall my life when he wasn't in it.
(I think you'd like him)

He's courteous at times and sweet.
Never a stranger does he meet,
a real talker, yet another characteristic of you.

He likes to pet all the dogs
is afraid of snakes and frogs,
but his mother is also, and he's bound to be like her too.
(I think you'd like him)

If you were here with us now,
to "go over the fence" or to plow,
you'd have one more buddy walking by your side.

He'd hold a finger of your hand
as you gave him "the lay of the land"
and I'd tag along with a smile and a feeling of pride.
(I think you'd like him)

He knows you by your face,
but a picture just can't replace
rocking beside you, listening to your stories.

But, photographs will have to do,...
that, and hearing my memories of you,
Until we see you walking in those fields of glory.
(I think he'll like you.)