My grandpa, Gerhard "Jerry" Schwebach, was a man I looked up to with the highest of respect. He helped to raise my sisters and me; He was always there for us. He had the sweetest spirit about him. His gentle nature made you positive that he loved you so much.
I have very fond memories of playing the piano with his hand on my shoulder while he looked on with a smile. He even threw money down the stairs once and started clapping for me; He never accepted that money back. "I don't know what you're talking about, Deborah," was all he said. He liked coats. I have one specific memory of him saying, "Well don't you come crying to me when you get all sick because you decided it wasn't cool to wear a coat." I just laughed. I remember his breakfast cake, and every time he would make it, excitement would be running throughout the house the whole night before as it was a rare treat. I remember playing chess with him and how he let me win once just so I would be happy. I remember him falling asleep wherever he sat. I remember him paying my sisters and me to rub his feet for him. I remember combing his few strands of grey hair for coins as well. I remember him making mac and cheese for my sisters and me to eat while we waited downstairs, eyes glued to the coo coo clock just waiting for it to go off. I remember him stuffing so much food into his mouth and then just smiling. I remember him informing me for the first time what a charly horse is as I ran around the house screaming that I was going to die and my leg was going to have to be chopped off. I remember him eating sardines... I remember the last hug I shared with him and how it lasted so long.
I miss my grandpa every day of my life. I would not be the person I am today without his amazing influence. He raised me right alongside my mom, and for that, I will forever love him.
