Grandpa and Grandma were always the first and last people we would see when visiting Put-In-Bay. They would always be there, standing at the top of the hill awaiting our arrival on the ferry, waving with big smiles on their faces.
I can still picture him with his collared T-shirt, khaki shorts with a belt, and beige shoes with white socks. And, of course, Grandma right beside him.
We get off the boat and give them big hugs. I'd always shake Gramp's hand. He'd let me squeeze as hard as I could, and then he'd say with a wry smile, "Let me know when you want me to start," or "Don't do something that's going to get yourself hurt." He'd put about 10% effort into his squeeze and nearly break my hand. He was always so strong. He had a grip that could crack a diamond. Even into his 90s, he was way stronger than I'll ever be.
Gramps was full of one-liners. "Old men need loving too" was one of his favorites. My favorite was something he used to say as we would go out for an ice cream cone on the island. "Always be nice to the gal scooping your ice cream." I think about that often, as it's such great advice and wisdom he lived by. Though, as far as I can tell, he was good to everyone, not just the gal scooping his ice cream. I'll always remember that about him. That, and he and Gram waving us goodbye on the ferry.