Every 4th of July my thoughts turn to my late grandfather Hector S. Cameron. He was born on the 4th of July, in the year 1892. And he's not my great-grandfather either, he's my mom's dad. He was the ripe old age of 58 when my mom was born, which just blows my mind every time I think of it.

I didn't know him for long. I was only 8 years-old when he died. But I have fond, and sadly fading, memories of the man. He lived by himself until the end. He died at the age of 94. We used to visit him every Sunday afternoon and have lunch with him after church. He always tried to slip me candy when my mom wasn't looking, which I of course loved as a little kid. He took me to lunch at a local cafe once in awhile, just me and grandpa. We'd always get "fish n' chips" and I'm guessing he bought me ice cream if I asked for it. He was always generous and very kind.

He served this country for a lot of years too, volunteering for the Cavalry when he was 16. He often wore an old green military hat. I don't know when or where he got it, or if there was a story behind it, but that's a distinct memory I have of him. I do wish I would've been old enough to ask him questions about his life, and his experiences. Unfortunately I was too worried about getting more candy.

My mom just received an old audio recording of my grandpa a few months ago. One of her cousins had it stuck away in some old box somewhere a bunch of years ago. It was crazy to hear his voice again, even though it didn't sound like I remember. It was recorded back in the early 1970's, before I was around. But he talked about his childhood and a bunch of different things. It's a really cool thing to have, and it's just a priceless item to my mom. 

So today I wish my grandpa a happy birthday. He'd be 116 today. I only wish he were around to celebrate with me, but he'll definitely be in my thoughts.