Knowing a grandfather and knowing about a grandfather are distinctly different epistemologies. While the latter contributes richly to understanding and appreciation, it is secondary to an actual relationship. Knowing about an historic figure narrows the distance between two lives but it never coalesces into a personal experience. As the apostle Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 2:11, a relationship requires a willingness to reveal thoughts and feelings. This book is an attempt to share with the reader, not only the people, places and events that shaped my life, but the thoughts and feelings that gave substance to my soul.