Grandpa Sherm

My Grandpa Sherm turned 80 last week and we put together a book with letters from all of his family members. Based on his reaction, I would have to say he LOVED the book. This is my letter to him.




Dear Grandpa-

It’s hard to believe it’s your 80th birthday because to me, you never seem to age. You carry yourself with so much confidence and class; always 100% put together and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Your kindness to everyone you meet is so sincere and genuine that I don’t know anyone who has a bad word to say about you. I love our golf dates, (although they don’t happen nearly enough), and it is quite clear that the bag boys at Alpine Country Club fight over who gets to help Mr. Wankier with his clubs. You always introduce me to everyone with so much pride which makes me feel like the most special girl in the world. One golfing excursion found you in the bunker on nearly every hole, which we both got a chuckle out of. Knowing you, it was probably done on purpose to make me feel better about my game! You made me feel like I could join the LPGA tour after our round. I love the stories you tell me about you and Grandpa Karl’s numerous golf adventures.


I know that no matter what you will do ANYTHING for me. I know you will protect and defend the ones you love at all costs. A minor example of this was when my family moved to the house in Highland my parents currently live. You were working for the district at the time and I just mentioned in passing that the bus wouldn’t stop at the top of the dip to pick me and 3 other kids up for school and how annoying it was that we had to walk all the way to the bottom of the dip to catch the bus. Not one hour later, you had contacted the bus driver and from that day on I could catch the bus at the end of our street. As a nerdy Jr. High student, I greatly appreciated feeling like the cool girl with connections.


One of the best qualities you possess is your ability to listen and comfort. After Grandpa Karl passed away, Sarah and I left his house completely heart broken and the first thing we thought of, was coming to see you. Our conversation that night was the absolute perfect thing I needed to feel better. We laughed, we cried, we reminisced and I feel like my Grandpa Karl isn’t so far away when I’m with you. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have two of the most supportive, loving, and wise grandfathers…who just happened to be best friends. It’s still really hard for me to see you without him but your friendship was the definition of what it should be. I can only pray to have a “pal” like you at my bedside when the end draws near.


The way you treat Grandma is quite possibly the most tender thing I’ve ever seen. It is such an amazing display of love and respect. You never want any recognition for your good deeds; it’s just how you are. You are so unique and my life is so much richer with you in it. You’ve taught me so many valuable life lessons over the years and I know I can always count on you to be my #1 fan. For that I am eternally grateful. I love you so much Gramps! Happy Birthday!

Love Always
Annie