June 8

My grandfather, Ocie Jay Hadley...


...was one of the best people I've ever known.  Had tremendous patience.  Grew up in Swan Lake, Idaho.  His mother died when he was only around five years old.  Attended Utah State University.  Served in the Army in WWII.  Was a member of the 1st Special Service Force.  Landed on Utah Beach on D-Day.  Hated cooked carrots.  Wore Carrera glasses.  Read large print "Reader's Digest."  Sent me home with all of his "Publisher's Clearinghouse" mail to send in and convinced me every time that we were going to win.  Beat me at the Barbie Game every time.  Was almost always my teammate for the game "Aggravation."  Ate his morning peaches in a bowl of milk.  Was a member of the Sons of  Utah Pioneers. Loved his family.  Loved his country.  Had a dry wit.  Could hear a song and come home and play it on the piano.  Loved Austria and wanted to visit after the war.  Attended our school functions and piano recitals.  Watched "Wayne's World" with my sister and me.  Loved old movies.  Turned down his hearing aid when we got on his nerves.  Loved Coca-Cola and Apollo Burger.  We would sit in his chair and listen to Sousa marches together, but our favorite was "Stars and Stripes Forever."  Loved the TV show "M.A.S.H."  Worked in the medical field.  His song with my grandma was "Always" by Irving Berlin.  Active member of the LDS Church, and a great example of faith.  He had a lot of health problems but I don't remember him complaining or being bitter.  Called me "Sacagawea" because I looked like an Indian Papoose when I was born.  Was the inspiration for my first poem: "Hospitals are for sick people, and pregnant ladies too.  But Grandpa, you get out of there, 'cause hospitals aren't for you."  Had a cat named Butter.  Called all the deer we saw on our camping trips "Bambi."  Played with us. Laughed with us.  We watched Lawrence Welk together a lot, and now I watch it and think of him.  Was "Ocie" in Idaho and Logan, and "Jay" in Salt Lake.  My middle name is Jay, after him.  I miss him more that I ever thought possible.  Passed away 14 years ago today.  Was my hero and my best friend and I will never forget him or stop missing him.  I still hear his voice and I still see his facial expressions.  I remember the way he walked and things he'd say.  He is proof to me that you can go through hell and still be a wonderful, happy, loving person.  He is amazing, and I can't wait to see him again. 

I love you, Grandpa. Always.