I have always known that Grandpa died almost one week before my first birthday. I obviously don't remember him at all. It is a sad thing that I never got to know my grandfather, but I have always taken comfort in the fact that he knew me, he held me, he loved me. And I do know him a little bit through the traits and values that he passed along, as well as from stories I've heard. I will turn 26 this year, which means that the 25th anniversary of his death is coming up. It is this Wednesday, April 8, so I thought I would post these photos in remembrance of him. -Jill
Airman Al Bixby 
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred M. Bixby
August 11, 1945
San Antonio, Texas
Lt. Col. Al Bixbyin front of F102
Grandpa with Twin Comancheat Martin Field
I was able share some memories I have of Dad while Jill was posting these photos. Remember when we would have church services once a year up in the mountains and Dad would fly over and try to drop his offering in the plate?
ReplyDeleteRemember when we were at Yellowstone Park and Dad lined us up behind a bear and took our picture?
David
Thank you so much for posting those photos and remembrance, Jill. I knew this was the 25th anniversary. I thought it was April 4th, but you may be right.
ReplyDeleteMy memories of Dad were special in that being the last kid, I had him and Mom all to myself for five years.
We worked on many projects together. I have one memory where he and I were tightening wire on a fence. He was about 200 feet down the fence line and he and I had ahold of the same piece of barbed wire.
He gave me the signal to pull; but he only wanted me to pull an inch or two. I pulled a lot. I jerked the barbed wire in his hands over a foot.
He was jumping up and down clasping his ripped hands. And I remember thinking, "Wow, I'm glad he's 200 feet away."
Come to think of it, that was one of many times where he paid a price for my learning experiences. But I'm forever grateful.