Grandpa Call
Dee W. Call
is an amazing grandfather. Growing up in a family of sixteen people taught him
the purpose of family and hard work. His example of dedication and
determination helps those around him to strive towards their goals. Watching
him as I grow up I see the impact he has made on his children to help to teach
his grandchildren for generations to come, how important it is to be a leader,
and not let the world around you get the best of you. By his example I have learned to strive for
the things that I most desire, and if I try I will be able to accomplish
anything.
Growing up
in Star Valley, Wyoming brought many chilly nights to the farmhouse owned by my
grandpa’s parents. Each morning my grandpa and his six brothers would hook up a
team of horses to the sleigh to begin the trek out to feed the cows. Each had
three cows to milk every morning. When they returned back to the house they
would send the milk off to the dairy. Their mother would use some of the cream
she scraped off the top to make their breakfast. Every morning she delightfully
prepared a breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, and toast. First the eight girls would
sit around the table to eat together. Once they were finished the eight boys
gathered around because there was not enough room for everybody to fit at one
time. After breakfast their mother would begin to make six loaves of bread,
which she did every day while the kids headed off to school.
Being the
third oldest of fourteen children, my grandpa learned how to pull his weight
very quickly. He enjoyed playing games with all of his brothers and sisters.
Some of their favorites included Monopoly, Jacks, and Annie-I-Over. The popular
games of the times came with other popular trends. He remembers how everybody
idolized Elvis Presley. Elvis’ hair became the new hair do for he and his
brothers. He also says he remembers feeling very cool wearing his white buck
shoes to school.
Some of the
things he enjoyed many years ago are still traditions valued highly in our
families today. He loved to go hunting. It was one of his favorite hobbies to
help get his mind off of things that were happening. One of Grandpa’s fondest
memories is seeing his father’s old Flintlock Rifle always sitting above the
fireplace. He also enjoyed playing basketball very much. He did not play it all
of his high school years. He loved to compete in Track events too. He says he
loved to do the Shot Put the best. He loved being able to compete with the
other schools.
His love for school brought him to
meeting his wife. He first met her while she worked as a car hop at a restaurant.
Many years later after serving a mission he attended school at USU and they
happened to meet again and were married. His great love for his family still
exists to this day. I am so lucky to get to be a part of this family. A family
reunion with over 300 people is one of the most fun things to do, and we make
sure it happens every year. It is so amazing how one person’s life can affect
so many people. I am a very lucky to have the grandpa that I have, and I do not
know what I would do without him.
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