Roots

Growing up, my father left us when I was two, in 1960. The pinnacle of masculinity was my grandfather, James H. Devine and he was the symbol of father with a capitol F, of provider with a capitol P and font of love and affection with capitol L and A. I adored my grandfather and I like to think he delighted in me. He never teased me like some adults did. He never made me feel like I was a nuisance or in the way or not wanted. I remember feeling this from many adults in my life, but never my grandfather a. He called me "snicklefritz" and in my eyes he could do no wrong. My grandfather never disappointed me or let me down until the day he died at 86.