Patriarchs

Goodbye, Grandpa Fred, loving father, grandfather of many, and great grandfather of ever-so many more. I told Mr. Sapphire tonight that, if it hadn't been for you and your wonderful family, I might never have asked him out for our first date. Marrying into your clan was an honor, sir, and the Cardinals have lost a big, big fan. That will be my big regret, Grandpa Fred, is that ManCub never got the chance to sit down and talk baseball with you. You would have held his rapt attention for hours, and the other kids would've had to fight for time with you.

I remember getting the first e-mail from you, amazed that you, a great grandfather, decided to keep up with us in any way you could. I'm sorry we lived so far away. I really, really would have liked to put butter on a sandwich for you.

Sleep gently, and give "Mommy" a hug from us all.