11-11

Today is a day to remember those who fought for their country, and to thank those who can still hear it. It’s also a day to celebrate one individual from that group. Today is my grandfather’s 91st birthday.

John J. Goslee fought in World War II – stationed in China. Came home, raised three kids, caught an awful lot of fish. Still does, for that matter, but the fishing isn’t as good as it used to be.

I think I’ve learned the secrets to living to 91 from him:

• Oatmeal for breakfast every morning.
• Walk the dog twice a day.
• Always have a project going, something that will keep your mind busy and your butt off the couch.

When I was a kid, my parents owned a marina in northern lower Michigan. Grandpa lived in Ann Arbor, where he was a construction foreman. Among other things, he built the University of Michigan Law Library.

More important, to my young self, every weekend Grandpa would come north to go fishing. And he’d bring me a giant stack of books from the Ann Arbor Public Library. I know he introduced me to Tin-Tin, and I think he probably introduced me to Oz, and many many more. He taught me how to fish, and to clean fish.

After I left for college, for years he would write me a letter each spring, and enclose the first pussywillows he found, pressed. There was often a pansy or violet tucked in as well. By then he was living up north near my parents, and we both appreciated these signs of spring after the long Michigan winter. (Even if Iwasn’t living in Michigan.)

Happy birthday Grandpa, and thank you.

Love,
Sarah