I know, I know… I’ve written about Stan Smith before. But he’s the best grandad there is, so I can’t help it. The evidence:
About 10 years ago, in his late 80s, he taught himself to use a computer and typed up his autobiography plus a pile of poems and short stories. I turned it into a blog for him and printed business cards, which he now gives out to EVERYONE: https://thelimorickcollectionblog.wordpress.com. We also had 30 hardcover copies printed and he held a little family book signing one Christmas.
He was a VET teacher for years. My love of reading, science and education comes straight from him and my grandma.
For each chapter of my 334-page doctoral thesis, he drew a dog-themed illustration. They’re published under every chapter heading, and he now has his own bound copy to show them off.
He helped raise me through a challenging childhood, put up with a lot of teen angst, backed every year of study, and is a fierce advocate for my childfree-by-choice life.
A few weeks ago I got to hand him his copy of the thesis and take some photos in my “wanky hat” before my graduation in Sydney next week. He and Grandma can’t travel for it, but another family member is setting up the live stream. Thanks for offering that option, CQUniversity .
Did I mention he’s 99?
Shoutout to my grandma Joan Smith too. Another wonderful person who has never wavered in her support, despite my ongoing acquisition of tattoos she doesn’t approve of 🤣
Melissa Smith 