J.C. McClain RIP 1920-2005
My grandfather passed away last week. He was 85-ish [they are not really sure]. He went quickly–collapsed and was taken to the hospital at Arkansas State University. My mother flew out there that evening from San Francisco and when she arrived in his hospital room, tears began rolling down his cheeks and peace came over him and he flatlined. She said he was waiting for her. I would not doubt it, given his fortitude.
His wishes were to have a quiet grave-side memorial and nothing more. That is what they were doing in Fayetteville Arkansas last Wednesday at noon PST.
He was a good man. One of my favorites. My mother’s father. I am also his spitting image–at least when he was younger. Shortly after my father committed suicide, I changed my last name and took grandpa’s when I was 24–a decade ago. Given that he had all daughters, this meant I would be the one to carry on his name–something I had not even thought of. I just wanted to honor him and leave my father’s side of the family to distant memories. Shortly before I was married, grandpa gave me *his* grandfather’s pocket watch. An old railroad man’s watch that still works. Built like a tank.
He fathered 4 daughters. He leaves 3 behind. One died in a car accident years ago. My grandmother, Lucille, who is the same age-ish survives him as well. He was an elder in the Church of Christ [protestant] for 30 years. He was good natured, jovial, and basically believed that men should not cry and you did not marry outside your own race. He used to talk about his investment [investing groceries in his belly] while rubbing his pot belly. I took to teasing him about it and rubbing his pot belly when I saw him and asking him how his investments were doing.
They owned 5 acres in Fayetteville Arkansas. one of those acres was their “garden”. They grew corn, berries, vegetables, melons, etc. Grandma used to sell fresh ready-to-bake pies to anyone who drove by and saw their sign until the health department found it to be their business to put a stop to it for no reason other than the vague “public health/safety” declarations.
There was a great fondness between us–as infrequent as our communication was.
They flew out for my wedding in 2000. It is the last time I saw him.
Everything has a nature–it arises and passes away. This is the law of impermanence. This has me smile.
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