Growing up, I was fortunate to have a lot of love in my life. Now, as an adult, I recognize how truly lucky I was to have all four grandparents present throughout my childhood. I indulged in cinnamon sugar toast with Nanny, enjoyed roly-poly with Poppop, wood worked with grandpa and, among countess other things, set tables and learned to host with grandma.
For this, my first love letter, let me thank my only surviving grandparent, ❤Hugo (aka grandpa, aka grandpa gogo to his great grandchildren).
At 97, he is my pea-catapulting, joke-telling, cancer-kicking WWII Navy vet who, on a long list of life accomplishments, worked for decades in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Capitol. He knows what it takes to keep a ship sailing, serve his family and the general public, climb sky high telephone poles in the mountains of Nevada, and lead by example with unwavering positivity.
At Basketful, he has embodied all of this acumen and shared it with me. Steadfast guidance, wise navigation, encouragement to climb to new heights, support and optimism.
On another note, grandpa is a great gift-giver, but to gift for him... very hard. He has what he needs. He enjoys moments more than things. When gifting for grandpa, a gift needn't be big, but meaningful. As funny or as powerful or as useful as him. So, although he undoubtedly knows the great many ways in which he has supported Basketful. He may not know his role as an inspiration to the creation of the store itself.
As I wrote last night, it is important and validating to let an idea exist. Now, I send this note of loving thanks to he whom I can attribute the origins of why Basketful exists. Thank you, grandpa. Love you, grandpa!❤❤
