The following is a speech I made as a fifth grade pupil at Holy Family Elementary School, Chapel Arm. I am now a nineteen year old student at memorial University of Newfoundland. Since the delivery of this speech in 1992, my grandfather has died. He and I had made a pact when I was about five years old that he would be there for me until I was at least seventeen. He tried to keep his end of the bargain but on June 6, 1995, the One who decided to place me in Gran's care, decided it was time to call him home. Deep down, I know Gran is being true to his promise because not a day passes when I am not aware of his presence.
Danny Burke

MY GRANDFATHER

Would you like to meet a person who is stronger than a mountain, yet gentler than a breeze, firmer than flint, yet softer than a kitten, as wise as a scholar, yet able to speak the simple language of a child? Then, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let me introduce to you Gran, my grandfather, James Benedict Ennis, a man I love and of whom I have every reason to be proud.

I have known Gran now for all of my eleven years. He was the first man to hold me as I wiggled about as an infant. There was a strength that I sensed even then as he held me in his arms that I knew was rare in any man. My grandfather has held me close many times since our first encounter at the Grace General Hospital. He has cradled me crooning Irish lullabies and sea shanties as we rocked melodically back and forth in his favourite old rocking chair. Its rhythm produced more melody than Gran‘s voice since he is no Bing Crosby, but I love the sound of it no matter how out of tune it might be and I know how it can bring comfort and calm to vanish the fright of a bad dream or soothe the ache of a banged up knee.

Gran taught me to make my first steps. Holding out his gentle, wrinkled hands, he would coax me into putting my staggering foot forward...first one... and then the other until I had mastered a strong, straight stride He taught me to have confidence in every step I took - in walking from point A to B, and more importantly in walking the road of life.

Gran and I became inseparable friends from the very beginning of life. I guess you could say that this special bonding was the plan of a “Higher Power“ but when I was 2 1/2 years old, we were separated for a few weeks. I could not understand the meaning of “stroke” or ‘slight paralysis in the left side" and I certainly could not understand the meaning of separation. The man who returned to our home two weeks later was a lot like Gran but there was a slight difference. He walked with a cane and he was unable to lift me up like he was supposed to do. I quickly set to work on helping Gran get rid of that stick. After forcing him to romp and play with me, Gran quickly regained his strength and was back to his old self in no time. Now at almost 86 years of age, my grandfather has no blurring of vision, no high blood pressure, no arthritic stiffness, or no dullness of mind. It is a common sight to see my grandfather walk to the mail or to the church to make his Way of the Cross or to attend Mass.

In his youth, my grandfather fished off Cape St. Mary's. He didn't amass a lot of wealth money-wise from his fishing expeditions but his wealth of adventures is inexhaustible. Gran can recall death defying misadventures at sea that it's a miracle that he is living to such a ripe old age. I guess he is well salted and thus well preserved.

After his sea experiences, Gran became a bait depot operator with the Department of Fisheries where he was employed for 32 years. He fully retired from the work force when he was forced by government legislation at the age of 70 years.

All his life Gran was and still is an avid reader. Of course, his favourites are sea stories but he also enjoys westerns. Friends from 9 to 90 enjoy hearing his yarns from his own life experiences or from stories he has read.

I don't need to apologize for when I say that my grandfather is a very respected man by his family and community. All his life he has accepted responsibility seriously giving willingly of his time and talents to enrich his family and the communities in which he has lived.

6ran's latest post of responsibility in church and community is one that he assumed at the age of 80 years when he became a Knight of Columbus. My grandfather is a committed supporter of this organization and is faithful to praying his daily rosary.

There are many things my Gran is not and has never been such as a great hunter, or woodsman or shipbuilder. He is not a great sports fan either but he is a great supporter of my interest in hockey and softball. He is a great supporter of education and is always available to help me with my studies especially in the history of our province and country.

Gran is also a great financial supporter. It's a rare occasion when he can't reach his hand into his well-worn pants pocket and produce a couple of looneys for an after school treat.

There is a motto which many people proudly display that reads
   “It takes someone special to be a Dad”
While I agree with this statement, I maintain “It takes someone grand to be a Grandfather” and I feel richly blessed that my grandfather is specially grand.