My grandfather has left this life. Albert Charles Greenwood. A.C. Greenwood. Dickey Boy, if we want to keep it country.
He was my father’s father. The best way I know to honor him is to talk about my father, Vincent C Greenwood. Because A. C. Greenwood is the reason my father exists. And for that, I am forever grateful.
My father is abnormal. He is a talented engineer and was an athletic marvel. He always had both— brains and athleticism. He walked on to his college football team at University of Houston, which is pretty cool in and of itself. But what I’m really amazed at—always amazed at— is that a little country boy from Mt. Pleasant, TX could become what he has. He was one of the top students at his newly de-segregated high school. He became a successful and talented engineer. This is because he has always had vision and drive, and then always followed through on it. And he remains curious. He remains resolute. He remains loud. He remains silly. He remains funny. He remains respected. He remains loved.
When my mother (his wife) passed away in 1999, and he was left with 3 kids, my father worked even harder. He brought us through college. I don’t have student loans. My father handled my room and board. It’s because of him I’m able to work and pursue my dreams and live a wonderful life. At this point, all of his children have at least Masters’ degrees. Some would say that’s indicative of his success, but I would say that the indicator is moreso how much his children love and respect him. And we love and respect him a lot.
He’s always there for me, and all of his kids. I have the type of dad, who, I never have to pull out my wallet when he’s around. Even if I wanted to. And more important than that, I live with the comfort and confidence of knowing that he’s always going to support my siblings and me. So I try to take care of him as best I can. It’s my joy as a daddy’s girl. We daddy’s girls never let that title go.
To my grandfather— rest well, A. C. Greenwood. I love you, sir. And thank you. Your son is my daddy, and he has made my life beautiful.