The youngest in the bloodline standing with the oldest. Justin with his paternal great grandfather, John Beaton, in a shot taken back on June 17; Father's Day. That day was one of the essential best days of my life. My two dads - the biological one and the one that brought me up, raising glasses together. My biological grandfather, smiling and enjoying the warm air and beautiful clear day. My father-in-law, gregarious laugh and good spirits contagious. My son, all hope and energy and love, binding all of us men together - and women: my wife, her mother and my bio-dad's wife were present as well!
But this shot, of Justin and John, this was the one from the day I knew was important. Gramp was showing The Captain a photo taken of the four generations of Beatons: me, my dad, Gramp, and JT. I think right here they were pointing to JT in the photo, which is the February 18th entry for this 365 Project.
John passed away on the evening of September 3, 2012. A week later, he would have been 85 years-old. It made sense to me that I post this picture for September 3.
Justin will never know him - most likely won't have memories of him - but I will certainly show him the few pictures I have of them together. And I will be sure to let him know that while he's so lucky to have so much love in his life, his first years contained just a bit extra because Gramp was there. John's heart swelled with love for JT, and those old eyes lit up bright whenever his great grandson was around. Their connection felt like the completion of a circle to me.
While it's sad they didn't get to spend more time together, I'm so glad they got the time that they did. And that it was spent laughing and smiling and sharing.
Goodbye, Gramp. We'll all miss you. Even the littlest one of us.
Jason, This is such a beautiful picture and story of Justin and his great grandfather ....it makes me tear up just reading it. I am so happy that Justin and his great grandad got to share some special moments together and that you do have some wonderful memories...RIP John Beaton
