He was a master gardener, had a fiery temper and a great sense of humor. He taught me how to play solitaire, use a bench grinder, and fish with a bamboo pole. He bought me my first ever brand new bike.
Once I wanted to grow something, anything. He took me to the feed and seed and we looked around a while. He suggested I try some peanuts and I thought that sounded like a great idea. So we bought a big bag and he helped me prepare the ground and plant the peanuts.
I diligently watered the plants and they grew well in the hot South Carolina summer sun. Toward the end of the summer, I started wondering where the peanuts were. The plants started to wilt, but no peanuts. I was pretty disappointed that my first ever crop was a total failure.
While sitting with Grandpa one day, he asked about my peanuts.
"How them peanuts comin' on?"
"Not very good. I haven't seen one peanut yet."
"Really? They looked like they were doin' good t' me."
"I know, the plants grew OK, but not a single peanut"
"Let's go look"
Grandpa walked with me to the place where the peanuts were growing and pulled up a plant. Lo and behold! There were oodles of peanuts underneath. What a revelation. Peanuts grow underground!
All I could do was stare at all those peanuts. Grandpa just laughed at me. I think he somehow knew all along that I thought peanuts grew like beans. He was probably waiting for that very moment for weeks.
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