Fast forward and when he was 100 years old and in a nursing home he would occasionally call and talk to my dad. My dad said he'd always ask about me and how I was doing, that I was the nicest kid, and he was proud of what I'd done with my life.My brother and sisters were baffled. They all got waves, as did every other kid. I even asked my dad if he was getting senile and he said no, he knew it was me. Why did I get the grumpy look then?! I remember he didn't have a lot of money but paid to have his porch enclosed and heated so he could still wave in the winter. He lived so frugally, my mom would sometimes cook for him. When he was 102 his brother died leaving him several million dollars. Poor guy never got to use any of it, and when he passed away the grand kids swept in and had it spent within a year.
Thanks for sharing that story.