"Grandpa Willy"

Son, I know that you have been asking about your Grandpa Willy and I haven’t been able to tell you as much as I would have liked, but I think now is the time.  Your Grandpa Willy was a very hard working man. He was a traveling salesman that wanted the best for Uncle Biff and me.  He worked very hard to provide a very nice house and whatever we, including your Grandma Linda, ever needed. When your uncle and I were younger he was very focused on us becoming successful and for Uncle Biff that meant going to school and playing football.  I always wanted Biff to go and play ball but it did seem sometimes like that is all Grandpa focused on.  As the years went on I was earning money and making a name for myself while Uncle Biff was still finding himself.  That made Grandpa angry at times and it made for hard times in our house.  Biff and I moved back into the house because Grandpa and Grandma weren't doing so good financially.  I helped them but it wasn't enough and I wish I would have done more.  This is when we started noticing something wrong with Grandpa.  He was crashing his car a lot, talking to himself, and causing fights that weren't necessary, including some with Grandma and even our neighbor Charley.  Your Grandma didn't think we cared enough about Grandpa so that was hard for us to take, especially me.  All I ever wanted to do was make them happy.  It was really hard to see Grandpa pass, we all took it really hard but your Grandma took it the hardest.  He was her rock and she lived to please him, we all really did but not as much as her.  

Linda's Diary

September 24, 1932

Today has been such a great day.  Willy just got home from one of his work trips and seemed to do very well.  He brought home just about $100.  That will help a lot with the hot water heater on the fritz again.  When Willy got home we had a great dinner and all we could talk about was how well the boys are doing.  Biff is doing so great with his football; it just worries me sometimes about his studies.  Bernard helps him but sometimes I just don’t know.  Willy will take care of it, just like he always does.  I am so lucky to have such a great family. I am so grateful for each one of my boys.

June 18, 1953

I know that all it seems that I do is complain lately, but things are getting worse in this household.  The bills are piling up and some things just aren’t getting done.  I know Willy is trying but borrowing from Charley and living only on commission just isn’t going to work.  I hope that the boys start helping out more, but I know they are just trying to get their lives together.  I hope the loan with Oliver goes through with Biff cause that will help him get his feet on the ground.  I love Willy to death but I don’t know how much longer I can keep myself together.  I am always worrying about Willy and not taking care of myself like I would.  I have even stopped dying my hair; I figure what is the point. Tomorrow is another day and hopefully things will get closer to the ways they were.