By Richard Mabey Jr.
My paternal grandfather, Watson Mabey, was one of the wisest men I have ever known. He was all so well versed on the subjects of botany, the ways of wildlife and applied physics, from his days of working as the Chief Engineer of Incline Plane Ten East.
From the time I was seven years old, Grandpa and I would walk the wooded path, behind the old Mabey Homestead. On a Summer’s morning, we would finish breakfast, then leave the warmth and comfort of the kitchen of the old family homestead, walk to Mabey Lane, walk down the country road, then begin out journey to traverse the maple, elm and oak to the banks of the old Morris Canal.
I remember that Grandpa had a leather sack that hung over his shoulder. Inside Grandpa’s shoulder bag would be two sandwiches, two apples and some oatmeal cookies that Grandma made and packed for us. Also, inside the leather sack would be a thermos of apple juice. I remember just how much Grandpa loved apple juice.
As we would walk the forest path to the tow path of the old canal, Grandpa would point out to me which wild plants were edible and which ones were poisonous. We would take a moment to watch the deer drink from the flowing waters of the babbling brook that ran through the forest to the old Morris Canal.
When we reached the bank of the canal, we would perch up upon the stones of the remaining foundation of the old Mabey Ice House. The very ice house that Grandpa’s father, William Mabey, owned and operated during the heyday of the Morris Canal.
As we would eat our lunch, Grandpa would explain to the me the intricate and complex process of the workings of Incline Plane Ten East. Grandpa would sip his apple juice and chomp on his sandwich, made with homemade bread. A twinkle would spark in Grandpa’s eye as he told me golden tales of life along the old Morris Canal.
As I approach 72, fighting Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, I find myself becoming more and more appreciative of the times I spend with my dear, kind, beloved grandfather. I loved him very much. I miss him dearly. I’d give up my entire comic book collection and my collection of first edition novels, to have just five minutes to once again walk the forest path with dear old Grandpa.
If they are still with you, in this physical life, love the elders of your family. Cherish your time with them. For there will come a time when they will pass from this earth. Life is short. Painfully short. Truly, the three key elements of the loving heart are forgive, forgive and forgive.
Richard Mabey Jr. is a freelance writer. He has recently had two books published. He currently hosts a YouTube Channel entitled, “Richard Mabey Presents.” Richard may be contacted at richardmabeyjr@gmail.com.