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I’ve Sat on the Shoulders of a Giant Named Grandpa

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By Emily Roussell

Little girl on Grandpa's shoulders — Image via Emily Roussell

There are those who have served with such bravery and such valor that they have changed the course of the world.

They are the giants. And as it is said, we can see farther into the goodness and possibility of this life because we’ve been lifted by these mighty shoulders.

I have been upon one such giant’s shoulders.

They called him Sergeant. I called him Grandpa.

He knew volunteering to join ranks and defend the country, the world.

I knew the warmth of his lap for a story.

He knew the terror of foxholes.

I knew the calm he brought to a room.

RELATED: So God Made a Grandpa

He knew the nightmare of fierce battles.

I knew the reassuring sound of his voice and his wide smile for a Yankees win.

He knew heavy casualties on island beaches far from home.

I knew the way his face softened at the sight of my grandmother.

He knew the heartache of uncertainty in returning to a home a world away.

I knew the way he showed up for all our events and always in a suit jacket.

He knew a fight that was long and hard and brought great suffering.

I knew the easy conversations we had while stacking stones together in the creek.

RELATED: The Thing About Grandpas is You Never Want Them To Leave

He knew the swell in his chest to defend against evil.

I knew his grilled cheese sandwiches, and a “stone soup” dish from his childhood he called Depression Pork.

He knew darkness that threatened and awards for heroic service.

I knew his creative and giving heart as he pitched in with school projects.

He knew the relief of a war ended and the battle won.

I knew that faith was his foundation.

He knew the challenge of having to assimilate to life after a soldier’s trauma.

I knew the “Working On the Railroad” song he sang to us.

He knew great sacrifice and hardship and loss.

I knew the ease and comfort of a game of cards with him.

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He knew memories that haunted him.

I knew the steadiness of his great shoulders.

If you can see further or hope bigger for our world today, it’s because of the giants such as my grandfather.

Thank you to all our brave veterans. You are our giants.

Originally published on the author’s Facebook page

So God Made a Grandmother book by Leslie Means

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Emily Roussell

Emily Roussell is author of the tender children's book for new babies and moms, ‘Rock You Tonight.’ It reads like a lullaby, while telling the story of a tired and distracted mom who slows to fully embrace the wonder of and love for her baby. This book was penned when her first children, twins, were just months old. Life was exhausting, upside down, and …blissful. Find it in hard copy or kindle edition on Amazon! Emily and her husband gratefully enjoy a happy circus of life with four children. You can find her at Facebook.com/youarelovedemilyroussell

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I’ve Sat on the Shoulders of a Giant Named Grandpa

They called him Sergeant. I called him Grandpa.

RELATED: So God Made a Grandpa

I knew the way his face softened at the sight of my grandmother.

RELATED: The Thing About Grandpas is You Never Want Them To Leave

He knew the relief of a war ended and the battle won.

RELATED: Their Eyes Have Seen What No Man Or Woman Should: We Must Thank Our Veterans

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

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I’ve Sat on the Shoulders of a Giant Named Grandpa

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I knew the way his face softened at the sight of my grandmother.

He knew the relief of a war ended and the battle won.

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A GRANDMA

The Hardest Part of Divorce Is Being Away from My Kids

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Dear Daddy, I Wish You Could See Yourself As We Do

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