That summer Joseph started to roam further a field. His home was next to a large farm owned by the Trax family. He would go up through the orchard to the other side of the hill and enter a large wooded area. Running through the woods was a small stream. Along the banks of this stream he discovered a very large oak tree.
The lowest branch of this oak tree was at least fifteen feet from the ground. Joseph climbed to the first branch by leaning a small dead tree against the trunk and climbing up the dead tree. In later years he took some large railroad spikes and drove them into the tree to be used as hand and foot holds. But that first summer he used the dead tree.
That first oak branch was a good foot across and made a very comfortable perch for Joseph. Every day of that summer of 1932 Joseph would climb the oak tree and sit on the branch for hours on end, daydreaming and watching the birds and wild animals that came into view.
In the middle of August, on a bright, hot, sunny day, Joseph was sitting in the oak tree when he heard a voice call, Joseph. He looked around but he couldnt see anyone. So he continued sitting. About a half hour later he heard his name called again, Joseph. This time when he didnt see anyone he called out, Im up here, where are you?
A voice answered, Im up here, look up. Joseph looked up to the next large branch. A man was sitting on the branch. The man was not very big. He had sandy hair and bright blue eyes. His arms and shoulders bulged with muscles. The lower part of his body was thin. He wore an old worn brown suit coat with coarse brown pants. His shoes were obviously hand made for they were big, heavy work shoes. His face beamed with a bright friendly smile.
Now Joseph was no ordinary seven year old but he started to become frightened. He said, Who are you and how did you get above me in this tree without me seeing you?
The man said, Im your Grandfather Jacob Armack and as for how I got here, look. With that the man disappeared and reappeared on another branch.
Joseph by now was completely frightened but he held his ground. I dont know how you did that but you cant be my Grandfather Armack because he died before I was born. My mother told me all about Grandfather Armack. He was a very nice man. The man smiled and said, Nevertheless, Joseph, Im your Grandfather Jacob Armack.
With that he jumped down besides Joseph. Joseph was so startled that he drew back. He put out his arm to keep his balance. His arm went right through his grandfathers body. Joseph was so surprised he almost fell from his perch. He was speechless. The man smiled and explained to Joseph that he had indeed died before Joseph was born but he had returned to protect Joseph from harm and that Joseph was the only one who could see or hear him.
The mans smile, gentle voice and friendly manner calmed Joseph down. He was no longer frightened, for hadnt his mother told him how wonderful a man his grandfather had been. After thinking awhile Joseph said, Lets go home and tell mother about you.
Joseph, Grandfather said, You cant do that for two reasons.
First, no one but you can see or hear me. If you tell your mother or anyone else about me they will think you are crazy or at the very least strange.
Joseph replied, That doesnt bother me. I hear people talk and they already think Im a little strange. What is the second reason?
Grandfather answered, If you tell anyone about me Ill be forced to leave you and you will never see me again.
Joseph was silent for a few moments. Then he said, I wouldnt want that to happen Ill never tell anyone about you. Joseph continued, Grandfather, may I talk to you anytime I want from now on?
Grandfather answered, For the time being, no, only when I can manage it. As far as I can tell Im here to protect you from harm, help you when you need help and keep you company. I havent as yet figured out what Im capable of. It has taken me all these years just to appear. One thing you must understand is that anything I tell you to do you must do it without question. Do you understand Joseph?
Joseph replied, Yes grandfather I understand. Ill do whatever you tell me to do without question.
Grandfather smiled and said, One other thing. You dont have to talk out loud to talk to me. Since no one can see or hear me people will think that you are talking to yourself. All you have to do is think of what you want to say to me and Ill hear you. Do you understand?
Yes I understand, thought Joseph. With that Grandfather disappeared.
No matter how hard Joseph tried he could not make his grandfather reappear. After an hour of trying he gave up, climbed down from his tree and headed for home. His mother was surprised when he came home. He usually stayed away much longer.
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