"I really should leave well enough alone."
.... that's what I tell myself most days.
Then, there's those times I indulge in the fanciful.
You know that game? "Living or dead, who'd you most like to invite for dinner?"
That would be my paternal grandfather, the Rev. Franz E. Willer (ca 1877- 1944).
I'd raise a glass and just ask, "What happened?"
 |
| Graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO |
Obviously, I'm not the only one who never knew a grandparent. But what gnaws at me, is not knowing what went on inside that dash ... between Franz' dates of birth and death.
Growing up, I suppose my cousins and I were too self-absorbed to wonder why Grandma Willer -- or our parents for that matter -- never spoke of him. Not a word.
Except(!) for my having discovered a "post-it" note tucked inside my father's wallet after his death ... detailing the location of his father's grave-site.
Later, the cousins and I'd share our suspicions. The most widely-held scenario involved (gasp!) a female parishioner.
I like to believe he was terribly misunderstood ... cast out by my prideful grandmother.
An affair of the heart? Ya, that's it.
So, I'd really appreciate your unbiased opinion.
I've a cousin-in-law, recently retired from the ministry, who's a bit of a historian. His wife (my fav cousin) tragically passed a few years ago, so Gary and I've never met.
Is it folly to ask him if Sue, perhaps, had any insight or stories to share?
...or, am I better leaving well enough alone?
* * *
