“Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll.

I am the master of my fate:

I am the captain of my soul. “

William Ernest Henley

I chose this poem because my Grandpa used to read it on his boat named Invicta (the female term for invictus).    Its a strong poem for a strong man.  Sailing around the Florida keys and the caribbean islands.  Because he could…because he enjoyed it. 

I so enjoyed spending the morning with him…taking pictures and learning bits and pieces to this complex person.  He’s travelled, loved, lived and given of himself.    I’m proud of him and so glad to call him Grandpa! 

I remember being a little girl and he would come to visit… showing me sailor knots, telling me stories and giving me WAY too spicy food.  Growing up in a little town called St. Charles…it was fun to see some of the buildings that he had designed.   He also played a huge active role in helping out the community in California.  A homeless shelter called first day…a preschool for a local church.   Basically, my grandpa lives.  He lives to help.   Generous.  Yes, he is.  Love you, love your spirit and love your cheerfulness.  You are simply a really, really cool Grandpa.