Ben Roberts was born two doors down from the house he sold just last year. A WWII veteran of the U.S. Navy, he married my Grandmother 62 years ago. After she recently passed away, he held an estate auction. Every possession he owned, he sold. For 71 of his 82 years, he lived on the same street in Conneaut, Ohio (Daniels Avenue). A retired crane operator at the Lake Erie Docks, my Grandpa could do anything, if he hasn't already. Today, he lives in Chardon, Ohio with his son and daughter-in-law. On top of his dresser sits one of his only possessions, a picture of my Grandmother.This is the man who has been my Grandfather for 34 years, my role model, my giant.
It was great to spend time with Grandpa. Sure did seem different without Grandma. Last night he and I went out to dinner at the Olive Garden - all you can eat soup, salad, and bread sticks. Boy can he eat! We started off today with breakfast at IHOP. Afterwards, we went to Best Buy for a new bluetooth-headset (mine broke). Then back to the hotel for my phone interview with KTVB channel 7 - Boise (thanks to my Public Affairs rep. Lisa Gropp). We went to the post office to mail tape #1 to the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour video producer (sounds pretty official - huh?) and then picked my bike up from the bike shop (all freshened/tuned up). Shortly thereafter, we shook hands and I watched my giant of a role model drive away.
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Six years ago today, our country witnessed evil. But more importantly, we witnessed Ordinary Men becoming Extraordinary Heroes. I pondered much today about the heroes of 9/11, which strengthened my resolve and my desire to keep on pedaling.
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"I CAN!"
16 comments:
Chip, I don't care how corny this sounds, but I can hardly type this comment because of the tears. That was an absolutely wonderful tribute you wrote about my father, your grandfather. The picture is precious, too. Thank you so much, that means the world to me. Please take care. Lots of love, Aunt Annie
Wow, Chip, that was an AWESOME post. Seems weird pulling up your blog to see a picture of our good ole Grandpa Roberts. That really is a great picture of you too and I've gotta agee with Aunt Annie in that it was a bit of a tear jerker. If I can just add one little comment about Grandpa selling everything he owned after all those years...what's so amazing is that he let EVERYTHING go for such dirt cheap prices (I was there for the auction) and he didn't do it because he needed the money. It wasn't about the $ at all. The memories there were just so strong of he and grandma's 60+ years together that he couldn't bear to be there without her.
I know you already know this, Chip, but I thought maybe others would find it noteworthy.
Keep on keeping on, Chip!
p.s. Hey Aunt Annie...ya got any more kleenex over there?
Carrie
Chip, Gary and I are so proud of all your efforts with the Foundation! Travel safely and know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you journey across the nation. The amazing story you can share when this is complete will be one for all to enjoy! You are truly one inspiring person. I am wondering already if perhaps we will be seeing more of you in a political role in the future, aspiring to continue to help others as you are now doing. We will follow your paths on this blog and wish you and all your wonderful family blessings!
Beverlee (Holly's Mom)
Keep smiling - Yes "You Can!!"
I stared at the picture of you and Grandpa for so long. I thought of all the stories you have shared with me over the years. The kids really loved seeing his picture too. How great for him to be a part of your inspirational journey. This whole blog is such a wonderful keepsake. We will definitley make it into a book when you are all done - what a treasure that will be!
Chip, this entry today is truly lovely - a dedication to a man you clearly love and admire - Thank you for allowing us into that part of your world. Your Grandfather sounds like a wonderful person: patriotic, dedicated, a family man...(hmmm, sounds familiar!) On a side note, I couldn't help but chuckle at your reference to how much HE ate! (Are you saying he ate you under the table?) :) Now THAT would be amazing! Glad you're able to get some decent food out on the road, though - you'll need it to keep on keeping on with your travels. Sorry to hear about the bluetooth but happy you were able to pick another one up so quickly. BTW - I still remember the morning of 9/11 and how you called over to our place to see if we had seen the events on the TV - I had just come downstairs and Elliott had the TV on and I was thinking "Who's calling this early?" That was a tremendous day...Keep going, friend!
Have enjoyed hearing from time to time about Grandpa and Grandma Roberts and am so happy you didn't have to suffer through a "so near yet so far" as you rode through Ohio and that you were able to spend some time together.
You will be pleased to know that Katella had a very nice 9/11 tribute today. You would think that after 6 years it wouldn't be quite so tender and emotional but it still is.
Yes, you can!
Faye
Hi Chip, it's Aunt Annie's middle daughter, Alison. I have really enjoyed reading your blog of this incredible journey you're undertaking. What a nice entry about Grandpa Roberts! It has me choked up too. And a great picture--all the pictures have been great! I have been following your route on an atlas that mom left next to the computer. I was excited to see where you started you journey, as I am a bit familiar with the area. I was in Sandy Hook, NJ at the beginning of August and I have friends in East Brunswick. Now that you're in Ohio, I am nostalgic for Conneaut and Chardon. Congratulations on how well you've done so far!!!
Love,
Alison
Thank you Chip for such a wonderful post. It stirs a lot of deep emotions. It made me happy to know that my own Grandfather was my hero. I think it is wonderful that you were able to share this experience with your Grandfather. I thought about the events of 9/11 all day. The good, and the bad. I am grateful that I live in a country that as the freedom and the courage that was shown that day, and every day by these extraordinary heroes. Keep on pedaling!
Hey Chip:
Just read all your reports. I always said you had more motivation than all of the best of us. I am envying your ride and adventure. Does it still take 13 hours to ride 80 miles or is that getting shorter? The photo's are great. When will you be on Channel 7?
Tim and the gang.
Chip-Holly told me just yesterday about your coast to coast trip, and I couldn't wait to catch up on all I've missed. I remember you tlaking about making this journey for many years, and i am so excited for you to see it come to fruition. Our thoughts and prayers are with you each and every mile, and I look forward to checking back on your progress and experiences. Just keep pedaling...Chantelle Chapman (Chris, Riley, Connor & Gehrig, too)
Chip, Your tribute to Grandpa Roberts, my Dad, is wonderful beyond words. I know Grandma Roberts is smiling down on all of us and following you on your journey.
Love, Mom
How wonderful to spend time with family, especially someone you admire. This will help you when you most need it a little further down the road. I'm glad your taking some rest time along the way, it will pay off later in your trip as well. Be careful out there and cherish every moment.
Gramps
Whats up bro? Been following your blog. Awesome. I thought for sure tho that you would ride on 9/11. But Im sure it was worth hangin with your gramps. Reading your blog really got me thinking about my dad an the great times that we had. I hope that everything is good and that you are having a blast. I look forward to reading more. Watch out for any white vans cause you never know who will go blowin by you. HAHAHA. Semper Fi.
Bach
Sounds like you had a wonderful day. One that you can look back on and get you through a tougher day to come. Not much more I can say that already hasn't been said.
Love ya!
Aunt Annie,
You are very welcome.
Carrie,
Thanks!
Hi Bev!
Thank you and thanks for visting.
Tracy,
You are the best!
Holly,
As far as eating goes...I do have an image to uphold. Wow! I clearly remember calling you and Elliott on 9/11. Thanks for commenting!
Faye,
"Way to go Katella!"
Hi Allison!
I loved Sandy Hook - wow, seems a lifetime ago. Thanks for commenting.
Katie,
Nicely said.
Tim,
Welcome to my blog. I'm a bit faster now. I try to average about 10 miles an hour. Channel 7 news - Sunday night @ 10:00pm.
Chantelle and Chris,
Thank you for your comments.
Mom,
Thank you!
Ken (not Gramps),
Thank you - I find your words of wisdom more encouraging than your humor.
Bach,
Hey man, welcome aboard! Thanks for visiting. Send Anderson my blog address!!!
Jody,
Indeed. Thank you!
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