Missing Grandpa

Being close to my family and friends has always been a big part of who I am. Last night was the annual community picnic and I was there with my two girls. We ate, played games, visited with family and friends and made some new friends. Something just didn't seem the same (I've attended this picnic every year since I can remember), someone very dear to me was not there. Sure, they had the traditional games of bingo and various kids games, there was the cake walk and raffles. I saw cousins that mistook me for my Mom, cousins that I had to ask "what's your name?" & friends from school. There was plenty of food, the band was great (not always the case), people wandered the cemetery to find their loved ones. I suddenly began to realize that Grandpa was the one that was missing and for a split second, I almost asked my Grandma where he was. This was my first picnic without Grandpa, he was not there at his usual bench, there was no hamburger before him, his place at the Bingo table was being filled by a stranger. I walked out to the cemetery with my two girls close behind, found Grandpa's grave and just stood there in silence. Grandpa, please forgive me for those times that I drove by your house and didn't stop to say hello. I wish I wouldn't have been in such a hurry to get here or there, so tonight Grandpa, I'll play your Bingo for you, I'll eat that greasy, greasy burger and I'll talk to anyone who looks remotely familiar. Love, Jessica