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Childhood Memories
Growing up we all had people we looked up to and wanted to be
like. These heroes or role models gave us motivation and inspired us
to keep our dreams alive, so that one day we could follow in their
footsteps and start a legacy of our own. Although my grandfather
isn't a famous actor or sports figure, he has been my hero throughout
my life. My grandfather is a role model to me because of the
tough childhood he endured growing up, the way he raised seven
children without a lot of money, and the contributions he made in
making me the person I am today.
My grandfather Jim Rice endured a tough childhood growing up.
He grew up on a farm with his parents and his sister Lillan. When Jim
was in his early teens his mother and sister left him and his father.
So as a teenager he grow up without a mother or his little sister.
Even though times were tough, Jim went to school, played football, was
in the band, and had to milk the cows and feed chickens everyday
before and after school. This was a lot of responsibility for a
teenager but my grandfather enjoyed the hard work. Without a mother
figure around, my grandfather grew up quick and turned into a fine man
who enlisted in the Navy after high school.
After the Navy my grandfather met my grandmother and had seven
children whom they raised with little money. Money was tight and
to make ends meet my grandfather worked in a mill and delivered milk
in the mornings. One of the traits that I admire about my grandfather
is that he was such a hard worker throughout his whole life. After my
grandparents had their first child they began to build their house in
Montville, Connecticut. With little money to spare, my grandfather
built the house himself, everything from the foundation to the
shingles on the roof. And over 50 years later they still live in the
same house that has had some changes made over the years. My
grandfather had a big part in his children's lives. He coached their
baseball teams, attended their extracurricular activities, and most
importantly was there for them when they needed him. It was very
important to him to be there for his kids, so they could have better
childhood's than he did.
My grandfather also had a huge contribution in making me the
person I am today. Jim Rice has not only been a great father, but
also a wonderful grandfather to his eleven grandchildren. When I look
back on my childhood my fondest memories were of times I spent with my
grandfather. Every weekend I slept over my grandparent's house and
spent quality time with my grandfather. Our favorite thing to do on
Saturdays was walk the train tracks that over look the harbor and go
to yard sales. While spending time with my grandfather I learned many
valuable lessons that I will never forget. He showed me how to play
baseball, catch fish, drive, fire rifles, and how to become a man. I
loved the times we spent together and I have always looked up to him
like he was the most important person on the world.
We all have had heroes who we looked up to and wanted to be like.
My grandfather has been my hero throughout my life because of the
tough childhood he endured growing up, the way he raised seven
children without a lot of money, and the impact he has had on my life.
I hope my grandfather is still around when I have children so maybe he
can have the same positive impact on their lives as he has had on
mine.
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