you're gonna need a Costco sized supply of tissues, Waterfield...

My oldest grandson graduated from High School this evening.

I saw him pull himself up for the first time, standing on his own two feet. He used me to get up... we were lying on the lawn in my backyard. Saw him officially 'walk' for the first time... in fact, he came to me. Taught him to fish, to hunt, to drive. Got him into Lord Of The Rings.. BEFORE the movies, he was, I think, not even 4.... and he and I saw all the classic movies together right up and thru Lonesome Dove... his favorite all-time movie and mine as well.

When no one else would go to my ranch 'just to go', he went, every time. Today he gets ME off my ass, "Let's go to the ranch, Pops"... no particular reason.... we just go... explore, watch wildlife, live... seldom discussing anything 'at home'.. just 'living the moment'.

Every single time he has received an award, and there have been many... small and big.. Varsity Football MVP.. he always led with "Thanks Pops".

We learned together... and no few amount of times we got in trouble together... both reprimanded. "THAT WAS DANGEROUS"... often "He's too young for that". We took chances. We have many stories we will never be able to share with adults.

Never had a closer friend, never will.

And not just Waterfield... all of you parents, grandparents.... stock up on tissue paper, you're going to need it. - JamesJM