My name’s Amelia, and I want to tell you the story of my grandfather, Carlos. I want to, but I don’t feel like I can do it justice yet. He’s recently left us, and as much time as we spent together, I still feel there’s so much to know about him.
Grandma, mom, and grandpa – back in the day.
Since he’s passed, I’ve gone through stacks and more stacks and yet even more stacks of stuff from his younger days as a writer. Digging through this, a lot of his life is still a mystery to me. As I look at him as a wide-eyed young man — with his whole future ahead of him (and wearing uber-skinny ties) — I can’t help but wonder what he was like when he was chasing his dreams. Writing about tomorrow, imagining humanity coming together to build a new world.
He was never a huge success. In the time of Clarke, Asimov, and Bradbury, he was an unknown. Just an optimist with a typewriter. He sold one short story in the fifties, “Orbit’s Story” to Disney, and then gave up the chance for fame to follow his own path. It’s the kind of bravery I wish I had.
Grandpa was always so creative!
We would walk through the woods and he would share with me impossible tales of cities of tomorrow. Of machines discovering the core of what humanity means. Of bringing the world together as they explored the furthest reaches of the universe. Of exploring time and space by crossing dimensions. At their heart, they were about looking at bright futures that could be. He saw the best in everyone. In everything. Always.
These are the stories he told at bedtime when I slipped into sleep. These are the stories he would tell me on Saturday mornings while I ate my cereal. And stories he told me watching a sunrise hand-in-hand. You know that smile your Grandpa gets when he’s telling a story, and right when things look their darkest he gets to the good part? I do.
He created whole worlds for me, and I just want to tell his story as one last ‘thank you’ to him.
Hey Amelia! Love your grandpa’s glasses!
Yes! Aren’t they the best?
It’s wonderful to see that you’re honoring your grandfather in a way that he would have loved.
Can’t wait to hear more!
Love the idea of getting more involved with the history of your family! Let me know if ya need any help out in the east coast! Good luck!
Whoa. Okay. So, just got home from a long day – school, work, the whole deal. Fed Nora and Sofia, the family cats. Made myself some grilled cheese. It was pretty yum. Sat down at my desk. Then saw this, what all of you have written. Let me just say, it never ceases to amaze me how quickly a day can turn awesome. This journey is already so much better than I expected. Thank you for the words of encouragement, everybody. You have no idea how much it means.
Can’t wait to hear your grandfather’s stories!!
I am very excited to hear about your grandfather. I am very excited to hear about all the adventures your grandfather went on. The documentary is going to be great. I wish you the best of luck!
Very cool, love the old photos!
Amelia- Do you have any other photos of your grandfather?
I can’t wait to hear your grandfather’s stories and am here to help in anyway you may need.
Love your writing can’t wait ti know more about the story you have to tell and see the pictures!!
I can’t wait to hear more about your grandfather! He seems like a fascinating man!
Looks like he was working on an interesting poster. Maybe the cover to Orbit’s Story?
Do you have some of his art work? I would love to see some of it.
Does he know a Bruce Croskey?
I can’t wait to here more!
I can’t wait to learn more about your grandfather! His hair and his glasses are definitely the best. Do you know what he was working on in that photo?
Awesome story Amelia!
I can’t wait to hear more!
Amelia, thank you so much for sharing the story of your grandfather, and your story, as well. Looking forward to reading more, thank you.
Your grandfather sounds like a fascinating individual, I’m looking forward to hearing more about him. That really was such a cool era in history. (And I agree, your grandfather’s glasses are pretty swanky!)
Sounds like a good way to remember your Grandfather, and spread his legacy!
Thank you for sharing this information about your grandfather– I’ll keep watching eagerly to see what else you find!
Obviously your Grandpa’s creativity genes have passed down to you. I look forward to reading more of your work.
Amelia, you said your grandfather sold one short story in the 50′s to Disney titles “Orbits Story”, do you have any idea what it was about? that could help tie what he was working on with WED for the 64 Worlds Fair?
Can’t wait to hear about it!!
I can not wait to hear more of the story. I would be happy to help in any way I can! Thanks for Sharing.
I can tell this is just the beginning of something big!
I am looking forward to the rest of the story.
-AMELIA- Do you know what your grandfather is doing in this photo above? He seems to be drawing or drafting, not writing? I’d be interested to know more about the “project” he’s working on in your “Optomist with at Typewriter” post?
I actually teared up a little at your description of how your grandpa created worlds for you. Blending fantasy and reality and making dreams come true? I agree that he should be honored. I think you will do fine continuing his legacy. <3
I do love a good story! I’m really looking forward to hearing them!
Hi Amelia,
I just stumbled onto your blog and look forward to reading more about the story you’re unraveling. I’m a budding optimist myself and have lots of fun ideas I hope to bring to fruition.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the world.
I too stumbled upon this, I am now completely intrigued and looking forward to this journey!
Hey Amelia,
Loved your story about your grandpa and the sweet relationship you shared. Waiting for it to unwind and glide through the memory lanes.
Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad to hear that, Nupur.
This is cool.
“He saw the best in everyone. In everything. Always.”–
So awesome that is how I try to be. thanks for sharing.
What’s next?