Giving Time

My Grandpa passed away in the 1990s when I was in my 20s. Years before that, when I was very young, he gave some antique pocket watches to my Dad. Recently, my Dad called and said he’d like to give the watches to me. Of course, I was excited to receive such a sentimental gift that spanned so much time, having involved some key people in my life.

I went to his place and we sat and talked. A lot of time had passed from when he received them, and certainly before he had them. The watches dated from the 1800s, and we’re not exactly sure where or when my Grandpa actually got them.

I thought about this spanning of time as I held them, noticing slight characteristics of wear, yet being surprised by what amazing condition they were in for being so old. At a glance, they looked as if they could have been new.

My thoughts were broken by the phone ringing. My Dad answered it, and proceeded with a quick conversation where he spoke in answers only. “Yes, I did. Ok. That’s right. I will. Ok.” and then he hung up and sat down across from me. I turned my attention away from the watches and toward him.

“You know who that was?” he asked, and without waiting for an answer, continued, “Your Grandpa.”