The Bubble Machone

Grandfather

Imagine my surprise a few years ago when I learned that my shiny new son-in-law’s grandfather was none other than Lawrence Welk.

Yes, that’s him with his grandfather. He remembers being on the annual Christmas show with the entire large family. I remember watching that show.

Once I recovered from sheer astonishment (why? Someone has to be his grandson) I was full of curiosity about what he had been like. I assumed that, like most public celebrities, his personal persona must have been markedly different from what his huge TV audience saw week after week.

So my second surprise was for my son-in-law to tell me that, with his grandfather, what you saw was what you got.

Seems he was a sweet, generous man, unfailingly welcoming and gracious when he was besieged by fans whenever he went to a restaurant or a store. He would engage them in conversation, ask about their lives, sign an autograph, and thank them for their support.

I don’t remember what I thought of his TV show. Likely thought it was outdated as rock and roll began to take the stage.

As my son-in-law expanded on his memories of staying at his grandfather’s house, when he was aging, his facilities fading as mine now do, his generous spirit undiminished, I wished I might have known him.

I had wondered about the origins of my son-in-law’s generosity and good spirit. Now I know that much of it is lodged in his bones thanks to Lawrence Welk.

What a heritage!