I decided to call Red “Gramps” today and he enthusiastically answered the call. Every day, usually twice a day, Red and I go out to the pasture and he sits on a hill and watches his sheep, he seems to know just where they are, even though he can barely see.

He is quite content to sit there and watch over his world. I am content to stand with  him.

When I go out now, I say “hey, Gramps, let’s go to work!” and he perks up and comes right along. Red is very quiet and still these days, but he still loves to work, and I hope the angels will let him enjoy this time of peace and quiet.

When it’s time, I’ll be ready, but as long as he can rise to the occasion, I will enjoy this remarkable creature. I think he likes being called “Gramps.” I told him my granddaughter calls me “Me-Paw” and Emma says I’m stuck with it.

Maybe she’ll go for “Gramps.”