The Grandparent Project

This year in English, Tyson (my 9th grader) is doing the greatest thing. It is called the "Grandparent Project." The Legacy Foundation has created this and it is a way for people in general to connect with their heritage and those around them.
Tyson got to pick one of his grandparents to interview. He chose my Grandpa Stahle, which is his great-grandpa. He chose Grandpa Stahle because he knew the least about him to start with.
Grandpa Stahle is traditionally pretty tight lipped. He is always social and loves to tell and hear a good joke but he doesn't share many personal experiences. I was pretty excited to film this for Tyson.
We went and had lunch at their house and then we retreated to the living room and got comfy. Tyson had a list of questions that he had to ask grandpa.
The next hour and a half of our life was listening as grandpa recounted story after story of his childhood, his school years and his time in the Navy. Ross, Jaden, Corbin and grandma all ended up in the same room, completely enveloped. Quite often, I was reduced to tears, as was grandpa. There are so many levels to this amazing man that I had never known previously. I realized it was my fault that I had never taken the time to ask him before. Grandma said after that many of those stories she had never heard before.
I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to do this with Tyson. I am even more thankful that we got it on film to keep and cherish for the rest of our lives.
My grandpa Stahle is technically my step-grandpa but he is my true grandfather in every sense of the word. He has been an active part of my life since before I was born and he is wrapped up in my heart so tightly. I am thankful for his gentle strength and for his undying love for our Savior. He is and ever will be the greatest example to me.
Love you so much grandpa.