The Songs That Reminisce of Grandpa: A Heartfelt Reflection

There are certain songs that instantly transport us to specific moments in our lives. For many of us, these melodies evoke strong emotions and bring us back to cherished memories. In my own life, the songs that remind me of my grandfather are a combination of the memories he shared with me and the beautiful places and times we spent together.

My Grandfather's Ranch

My grandfather owned a large ranch, a horse ranch, where my older sisters, Lori and Tracy, and I, their younger brother, used to stay for a few weeks in the summer. While Lori and Tracy became expert riders, I, as their younger sibling, was a bit of a loper, not as skilled with the horses. These summer visits were filled with laughter, adventure, and the unconditional love of our family.

Unfortunately, my grandfather's passing was a great loss to our family, and then, my grandmother followed shortly after. The ranch was left to my mother, the only child, but it was a very sad time for all of us. Our mother had the horses and animals auctioned off and decided to put the ranch up for sale. We begged her to keep it, but it was impossible given her commitments in the city, including running car dealerships and managing models while also dabbling in real estate.

During the auction, we managed to keep three horses that my grandfather had given us: Dusty, Pandora (or Pandy), and Comanche, which I named after the surviving horse from Custer's Last Stand. Our grandfather often called me a trooper, a term that I hold dear to this day. Our relatives, Lori and Tracy, were in Toronto on a modelling assignment when the auction took place, and it was a heartbreaking time for all of us.

Uncle Ian and Ian Tyson

Before the auction, Ian Tyson, a renowned Canadian country singer, used to visit the ranch often and helped my grandfather out. He was like an uncle to us, and he often played his guitar during our bonfires, leading us in singalongs. Inspired by these memories, Ian Tyson wrote a song about another ranch auction and sale, reminiscent of his own experiences at the famous MC Ranch near Adel in SE Oregon.

The Power of Christmas Music

Even after the auction and the loss of the ranch, the memories lingered. My grandmother would often sing 1950s-1960s Christmas music, and these songs would instantly transport me back to those long, cold December evenings filled with warmth and joy. The music my grandmother chose to play during Christmas created a magical atmosphere, and she would continue to sing them for the entire month of December.

These songs, combined with the memories of my grandfather's ranch, have become an essential part of my life. Whenever I hear them, I am reminded of the love, laughter, and cherished moments spent with my family, especially my grandfather. The songs and the ranch, both now gone, hold a special place in my heart.