Grandpa Hill's True Stories

It was Halloween and Grandpa was 19 years old in 1976 in Rochester Michigan.  He wore his mummy/robber costume into a liquor store in Troy Michigan.  It was a dumb thing to do. Grandpa Hill’s Grandchildren beg for stories of when he does something stupid or gets in trouble.

Gorf and Marshmallow discuss how Grandpa Hill learned tohave empathy.   Marshmallow reveals why Grandpa Hill bothers to tell such embarrassing stories about himself to his children, his grandchildren and all children in yet another Grandpa Hill’s True Story. 

During this Lenten season, Marshmallow and Gorf encourage us all to practice more empathy. Being empathetic is a virtue that Grandpa Hill wants to have more of.  He hopes others will learn what empathy is and be able to have more of it too.

Grandpa Hill advises, “As you think about your situation, do what you can to make yourself  better, then laugh and live a lot.” 

Please share Grandpa Hill’s True Stories with your children and grandchildren, friends and anyone that you think needs to think, then laugh, and live.

Grandpa Hill and Grandma Hill homeschooled their eight children from 1989 to 2016.  Grandpa had been disappointed, he had wished for a surge in homeschooling coming out of the whole Covid 19 scene.  It never seemed to have happened.  Then he met Melissa at the Y.  Her story motivated Grandpa Hill to check out the recent data on homeschooling. He was pleasantly surprised! 

If Grandpa meets Melissa again he will be giving her information about PHAA, Pennsylvania Homeshoolers Accreditation Agency and a monthly square dance with homeschooling families. 

Getting good and many connections was always helpful to Don and Mary for those 27 years of homeschooling and they want more homeschoolers to have similar connections to strengthen what they are doing in their families.

In 1974 Grandpa was 16 years old and was cleaning the outside steps that went up through the woods to the front door of Mr. Griemel’s house.  There was to be a party that night and the steps would be clean of dirt and debris.

As he sprayed the water to clean the railroad ties and stones he discovered an in-the-ground nest of yellow jackets.  It was easy work to spray the bees and flood the nest.  Soon Grandpa discovered something he will never forget.  Yellow jackets always have an alternate exit to their hives. 

Soon there was a stream of angry bees after Grandpa.  He had become a BEE Target!   The hose was dropped and he was running at top speed towards his car.  A glance over his shoulder revealed a long string of bees in hot pursuit.  He had enjoyed getting rid of the pests.  He was now in fright and flight and could be easily overcome by dozens of charging bees. 

Grandpa tells his true stories for your benefit to help you think laugh and live, and maybe avoid his mistakes.   This is the 80th episode.  Some are more serious faith and family and health stories.  This is a “fun” one where Grandpa became a bee target and lives to tell the story. 

Please share one of Grandpa Hill’s True Stories today. 

When Grandpa Whined to Grandma – Children’s Story

In 1989 in December Grandpa was all alone in his little room above the Saltsburg Supply Company.  Itwas cold!  Way too cold for Pennsylvania in December!  He had made a huge mistake, he was lonely, and he was cold!  He called Grandma in Savage Minnesota to whine about his troubles.

Grandma decided to fix everything by telling Grandpa a story about shopping at the big mall in Burnsville MN.  In no mood for a story, especially about shopping, Grandpa listened. After the story he changed.  He stopped his whining!  Whinning wasn’t working for him at all and it never should work for anybody, not for little insistent children and not for Moms and Dads and definitely not for Grandpa Hill. 

Gorf and Marshmallow help Grandpa Hill discuss whining  with some of his grandchildren.  Grandpa Hill appreciates that help as he promotes Thinking, Laughing a lot, and Living life fully. 

It so much better for your children, the children’s children and for all children if whining is never allowed to work.

Please share your stories with your children. Please share Grandpa Hill's True Stories to the world!

In the fall of 1975 Grandpa (Don) climbed into a T33 Trainer Jet for what he thought would be a short 5 minute ride.  His “ride” turned out to be a scare, a thrill, and much more than just a ride.   Don was eighteen years old. He had never been in a small plane before.   Now he was climbing into the cockpit of a military training jet. They were off!

Just a few minutes later he had the stick in his hand and the right pedal under his foot and was making a turn up in the sky over Pikes Peak Colorado at a few hundred miles per hour.

Wow!  The whole event gave Don a new perspective on his life and, and, a high respect for the pilots of our world.  As the “pilot” for his own family, Grandpa knows everything he does or doesn’t do makes a difference for his future, that of his wife, their eight children and their 23 grandchildren.  It even makes a difference to people he doesn’t even know.

Enjoy the story.  Please share this story far and wide.  Think, about the story, tell your own stories, act on the truth the best that you can, then laugh a lot, and live! 

Grandpa Drinks With a Bat – Children’s Story

Grandpa Hill has done many unusual things and many of them happened on his annual Hill and Richman Family back packing trip. For the past 30 years he has gone backpacking with his family and the Richman family.  On this trip Grandpa comes eye to eye with a bat.  Grandpa was alone.  They both wanted the same watering hole.

Think laugh and live, and, share share, share, these stories you will be glad you did.   Thank you for sharing and thank you for listening.  Grandpa Hill of Grandpa Hill’s True Stories.

Welcome to 65th of Grandpa Hill’s True Stories.  Don and Mary are going up North to Michigan Tech in 1977.  They were off to secure a place up at the college for Don to stay at with Bruce for Don's last year prior to getting married.    Late at night as they travel along interstate I-75 near the intersection with M-72, Mary sees a light in the distance and slams on the brakes.  The car shakes hard as the old brakes struggle to slow it down! 

Then it appeared,  there was a wreck.  There were injuries.  Soon Grandpa was off down the hill to rescue one of the drivers that had been in the collision.

Don is so grateful for Mary’s super sighting of a tiny light, late at night on the freeway. Her quick and accurate reaction had saved the day, and probably the lives, of several people.

When Grandpa Lies to the Policeman, Is the 64th  Episode of Grandpa Hill’s True Stories.  This is what truly happened to him and Grandma in Latrobe Pennsylvania in June of 2010.  After Mass and a party on the grounds of St. Vincent's in Latrobe Pennsylvania, Don and Mary were driving home.  That’s when it happened Don ran a red light, right in front of the police station! 

Soon after that more traffic violations occurred and Grandpa ended up lying to the police officer about what had happened.  It was the strangest lie ever and the children and grandchildren in the audience get to weigh-in regarding Grandpa’s honesty.

Please share these stories, they are as true as Grandpa can remember them.  Please tell your own true stories to your children, grandchildren, and all children.  It’s surprising how much listening goes on when you share your mistakes and what and how you have learned from them.  Remember to think about your situations, act as you are able, and then laugh, and live. Thanks for listening and sharing Grandpa Hill's True Stories!

Check on all episodes at grandpahill-stories.org

This episode of Grandpa Hill’s True Stories took place in May of 1989 along the Western shore of Lake Superior.   Grandma and Grandpa (Mary and Don) take their four children on a long Memorial Day camping vacation.   The story is of five precious memories that make up the five chapters:  Mittens in May; Short Sheets at Gooseberry Falls; Cascade River Trout; Bears Bears, Bears; and Grandma and the Ostrich. 

This story is being told to four little excited children about when their aunts and uncles were the four little excited children.  The story was told to them shortly after their little sister, Emma, our 23rd grandchild was born.  As you think laugh and live your life, maybe you will remember a story and tell it to your loved ones or share it with someone that hungers for or just enjoys the simple and beautiful family life.

Please share Grandpa Hill’s True Stories far and wide.  It is a good gift you have discovered.  Pass it on!

Grandpa Hill shares another true personal story of fishing with a four year old.  Grandpa claims to have always caught something on every fishing trip, even this one.  Caleb his grandson challenges Grandpa when he seems to contradict himself,  ‘Sometimes never even getting a bite, yet always catching something.  Come on!  Which is it?’

In this true story Rebecca is the four year old, the gear is a bamboo pole, the catch….. well you will have to listen to the story! 

Grandpa assures the audience that this trip like every fishing trip or family adventure gave him and his children precious memories that have lasted a life time.  This one "Fishing With A Four Year Old" was exceptional fun and excitement to live and to remember. 

Grandpa Hills Children Stories and Health Stories are listened to in dozens of countries, dozens of States in the USA, and dozens of communities in Pennsylvania.  The website is grandpahill-stories.org. Please spread these stories far and wide, it will probably help make the world a better place.  You will probably never know exactly how, but one thing affects another and then another and then another and then surprise you are telling your own stories, and, learning from Grandpa Hill’s true stories and the world is better.

Think. Do what you can.  Then laugh and live.

Andrew really wanted to be in 4H and show a dog.  Rebecca his sister had a dog, and, she was in the show.  He had two huge obstacles to overcome.  First he was too young to enter the show at the Indiana County Fair.  Second he did not have a dog!

Determined, he got the best dog he could get from his sister Amy.  His name was Jack, the last of the Jack’s.   

Andrew’s persistence, was endearing.  He won over a lot of the 4H leaders and organizers.   In a class of his own, Andrew and his dog Jack, were registered, and, entered the show.  They won blue ribbons! 

For Andrew’s Dad, Rebecca, and Andrew it was one of the best days at the Indiana County Fair that ever was.

In the winter of 1968 Grandpa Don and his friend Bill Lecuru in Rochester Michigan built a fort of sticks and newspaper in the woods near Bill’s house.  Grandpa was 14 and the fort was not warm enough for the two boys to stay warm so a very small fire was needed, inside of the fort.  Like a teepee. 

Don was not thinking about how strong the draft would be.  Shortly after they were starting to get heat off the fire sparks went up and lit the newspaper on the inside of the fort.  Within a couple of seconds it was clear that they had to get out of the fort, through the fire.  A few seconds after the boys scramble out the entire fort is a roaring blaze.

Gorf and Marshmallow discuss how serious, and dangerous and dumb and stupid it was to have a fire inside of a small fort constructed of sticks and paper.  They review how there are lots of ways we can learn to do things right.  One way is to make mistakes and learn not to repeat the mistake in the future.  Another way is to listen to other peoples stories, and learn from their success and their mistakes.

Grandpa Hill hope’s you listen and share Grandpa Hill’s True Stories with your friends and family. Then sit back, think about the story, talk about it, share your own stories, then laugh, and live!  

Grandpa Hill knows lots of people that just talk way too much!  Two special women to him really talk a lot. At one time, Don was quite sure they both talked too much.  Mary Lee, Don’s  wife, and his oldest daughter Patricia are the two ‘talkers’ that taught him a lesson and the value of sharing stories with and taking the time to get to know and share with people about yourself.   

This story is about learning that lesson, learning to be patient and learning the importance of sharing your story as you get to know others, be friendly, and perhaps make a friend. 

Just today when Mary Lee and I went for our daily walk, she met Tiffany in the park.  The two of them talked for about 30 minutes.  Her story was sad and she looked desperate.  Her tears seemed genuine.  Telling her story seemed to lift some of the burden she was bearing.  Mary Lee assured her of God’s Love for her and not to give up.  Please pray for Tiffany.  We will.

Please, Think, Laugh, and Live and share Grandpa Hill’s True Stories!

Grandpa left his body in 2003. He was 46 years old living in Iselin PA.  While on the operating table sedated as a surgery was being performed, he got the privilege of watching the Doctor examine the tumor he had just removed.

As Grandpa Hill tells this story to his grandchildren, they have just as much trouble trying to understand Grandpa’s story as Grandpa did 20 years ago when he first realized he had left his body.  Grandpa believes that this was a bit of first hand evidence that he is more than just his body and his brain. He always believed he had a soul but didn’t really know what it was. This out-of-body, experience was proof to him that he was more than flesh and bones.

Please enjoy the story, think about it, and go about laughing and living your life.   Share this story and of course tell your own stories to your children, your grandchildren, and all children.   Shalom.

In 1988 Grandpa Hill (Don) and his family were at a parish mission in Burnsville Minnesota.  Just before the priest called on Don to come up front for a demonstration about faith and trust, an angel came and sat down next to Grandpa.

Grandpa really doesn’t know what angels are.  He calls what he saw an angel because it seemed friendly, calm, and all energy.   Whatever it was that evening he first sensed it’s approach, saw it for a second or two and then responded to the priest.  As Don left the pew to ‘volunteer’ for the demonstration in front of what seemed like over a thousand people, the angel was gone!

Don describes the faith moment, his demonstration of the concept of trust, and, how interesting it was for one time in his life to sense and see some sort of being that he truly thinks was an angel, sitting with him.  Either Don had the wildest imagination in the world, or he really saw something, or both!

In any case, please know that Grandpa Hill’s Stories are True Stories, as true as he can remember them.  This encounter with this ‘angel’ truly happened to him.  It was definitely a faith moment, and, has always been an inspiration to him when he is being reluctant or hesitant to do what he really thinks God would like him to do.

Please enjoy and please share this story and this podcast.  It really means a lot to Grandpa Hill to share and teach to entertain and to make it easier for others to think laugh and live regardless of the troubles of the day or times we live in. Use the stories to remember and share your own stories of when you grew up or you learned something true. What you do matters, it matters to the whole world.

As of today April 21, 2023, Grandpa Hill’s True Stories have been listened to in 28 countries, 173 cities in 36 of the United States of America.  That’s way over 33,000 minutes helping you and your children to think, laugh, and live.  Listen, listen, listen. Share Share Share. Thank you!

In this episode Grandpa Hill tells how he finally got real road rash!   When he was a small boy with bare skin sliding in the gravel (listen to Pebbles and Blood, Episode 1) he thought he had road rash.  This time he really had road rash!.... and some broken bones,  and the healing balm of raw honey applied to his wounds by his wife Mary Lee.  This story is both a health (and safety) story as well as a slightly wiser story. 

Don had baking to do and batteries to buy.  In his haste he ended up hitting the pavement at forty five miles per hour, breaking his shoulder blade, rib, and collar bone, and ripping up his skin.  Don is so grateful for his helmet,  he probably would be dead without it.  Don learned by experience and later in riding class to always check out his motorcycle no matter how short the ride was going to be.  He failed to do a check the day of the wreck.  He failed in his haste to put up his kickstand!

When Mary got home, and saw the terrible road rash wound on his left shoulder.  ‘Hospital protocol be dammed’ she proceeded to thoroughly clean the wound and then applied raw honey and in six days completely healed his shoulder wound.

Grandpa Hill would like all motorcyclists to be purposeful in their rides, take appropriate caution and have a fun time.  If something goes wrong and you do get road rash consider raw honey.  It worked for Grandpa Hill and it may work for you to.  Shalom.

In January of 2015 on a cold morning in Iselin Pennsylvania Grandpa Hill (Don) decides to tease and surprise his wife Mary Lee.   After she gets startled and chilled she retaliates.   

Don felt he deserved to receive the kick that Mary wanted to give him.  Presenting himself for the kick, he cautioned Mary that it would hurt her more than him.  This turns out was a major understatement.  Don got the kick of his life!  Mary got a lot of pain.  She had kicked a wrench in Don’s pocket! There was explaining, comforting, apologies, and forgiveness to be given and received. 

Since the Kick-the-Wrench incident, Grandpa has been much more careful and kind in the teasing and startling of Grandma. No similar incidents have occurred since 2015, at least not any that Grandpa can remember.

The grandchildren in the audience Joe, Catherine, and Lizzie and their parents briefly discuss the moral of the story. 

Please share Grandpa Hill’s True Stories, widely.  I think they help us in the effort to Think about our situations,  act as we are able, then Laugh a lot, and Live life abundantly.  Grandpa Hill, of Grandpa Hill's True Stories. Also check out the website where all the stories are there for your pleasure

grandpahill-stories.org.

On St. Patrick’s Day,  1975,  Mary Lee Mack met Donald Paul Hill in the library of the high school in Rochester Michigan. That was the day that Don’s girl friend realized she was his girlfriend.

Don had been so anticipating having Mary as his girlfriend and so anxious about being rejected that he struggled to tell Mary of his intentions. “Everything had to be just right,” was the excuse Don had for not asking Mary to go out with him on a date.

Listen and learn what $1 and a green carnation had to do with the start of Grandma’s and Grandpa’s togetherness, as they have learned to think, laugh a lot, and live life well.

Although this story is not how Don recommends that couples should start their relationships. It  is, as best as Don can remember, the truth about how it all started 48 years ago on St. Patrick’s 1975.

Grandpa is taking his daughter Amy across the fields of western Wisconsin in 1990.  The two of them had come out of the woods away from the rest of the group. The Romo’s children, and their mom, Mrs Teresa Romo and Don and his four children had spent the late morning hours foraging for medicinal herbs and wild foods.

They had experienced seeing baby raccoons in an old tree stump. They had gotten a few mosquito bites and now the push was to get back to the farm house. Little did they know that off of the beaten path there would be an old fence line and there would be bees! Bumblebees!

As they were crossing the last fence line, Amy disturbs a modest nest of bumblebees. She gets stung and immediately starts to swell. Donald knows that their visit with the Romo’s would now get cut short with a trip to the emergency room. Amy has many allergies and bee stings is one of them.

When they get to the farm house her hand is quite swollen. As Don and Mary Lee start to fuss,  there is no alarm from Teresa. She pulls out a wild grape leaf from her bag we had filled that morning. She places it in shallow water in a frying pan on the stove. The leaf becomes soft and thick. Teresa proceeds to wrap Amy’s badly swollen hand in the grape leaf and we proceeded to fix lunch.

Before Amy sits down to her lunch, the swelling is completely gone. What Benadryl couldn’t do in an hour, the grape leaf had done in just minutes.  Grandpa learned the healing powers of a grape leaf. He also learned a lesson about knowledge, being curious, and the importance of sharing what you know with others.

Gorf and Marshmallow also marvel at the power of a grape leaf and how smart, resourceful and wise, Mrs Romo is.  Semloh takes the opportunity to teach Gorf and Marshmallow a relevant lesson about knowledge and learning.

How did Mrs. Romo know of the power of a grape leaf and the value of dozens of other plants that grew in her own “back yard”?

Please share often, follow, and listen often to Grandpa Hill’s True Stories as you and your children learn to think and then laugh and live life fully.

In the summer of 1968 Grandpa Hill (Donald) was playing with Mike Martin his cousin. They were along Hamlin Road in Rochester Michigan playing tricks on his brother Eugene. Donald and Mike decide to hide from Eugene after they had secretly dropped leaves and twigs from high up in the tree nearly hitting Eugene as he pedaled buy.

Those trees are gone now. The old fence line where Donald and Mike had hid is gone now. Hamlin Rd no longer cuts through farm land. Rather there are large houses and a nearby industrial park. What isn’t gone is the memory of the revenge of lots and lots of  Bumble Bee’s.

Donald and Mike had hid from Eugene  on top of the bumble bee nest!

Grandpa learned a lesson that day. He remembered it well. Until he didn’t! But that,  is another story.

Please subscribe or follow and share this story then listen to one of the 50 other episodes.  Think Laugh and Live listening to Grandpa Hill’s True Stories.

It was the fall of 1985, Grandma and Grandpa Hill had just got a new house in Savage Minnesota. There was an ongoing disagreement about money and furniture.  We both wanted living room furniture. Mary Lee wanted to sit comfortably in the living room with friends and family. Don wanted to sit comfortably but had no money to buy furniture. Buying a couch at that time was out of the question.  Even so Mary Lee, went and got a couch and much more.

Mervin and Janette, Mary Lee’s parents were generous and bought the furniture.  Mary Lee negotiated a low price. Don’s happiness and gratitude, was hampered by his stubbornness and pride. Don has recorded this episode as a memorial to the love and generosity shown by Mervin and Janette Mack.

By the way, Mary Lee saved the day again! She turned the furniture buy into a dent and scratch sale! She still advises buyers to just ask for that lower price. “Frequently you will get it”.

Patricia, Grandpa and Grandma's eldest child, listens with her seven children, and Grandma Hill (Mary Lee) as Grandpa Hill tells the heart tearing and heart warming story of when Patricia, was seriously ill in Children's Hospital of Columbus Ohio.   Patricia was not responding well to her treatment and medications for asthma.  After a day of no progress she is finally able to communicate what's wrong... It is a problem with her "room mate" - a little infant girl.

The infant that Patricia was sharing her room with had a problem of no spinal cord and was constantly crying.  The baby's illness wasn't a problem for Patricia. The baby's constant crying wasn't a problem for her either.  The fact that nobody was caring for the baby was a huge problem.  As we, Don and Mary, came to realize the source of Patricia's agony, we cared for the baby and tried our best to the extent we could to comfort her.  At her request, Patricia was doing without attention.  Patricia needed us to care for the baby more than anything else we could do for her.

Grandpa and Grandma realized just how special, caring, and loving Patricia was, to put the baby first, ahead of herself.  

Gorf and Marshmallow are back to help the young listener understand how beautiful it is when someone who deserves so much attention is unselfish and puts the cares and needs of another person first! 

Hospital Incident No.1 - Stay With Your Child is a true story of when Grandpa stayed with his oldest daughter Patricia as she was treated for a severe asthma attack.  As children Grandpa and Grandma had never been hospitalized.  As young parents Grandpa and Grandma Hill had been to the hospital several times  and had several multiple night stays with their first child, Patricia.  When they moved from Houghton Michigan to Westerville OH they got strong and good advice, Always stay with your child when they are hospitalized.   

As young parents with little children, we had mentors and guidance from wiser, experienced, and successful parents.  Tom and Margaret McSweeney were especially helpful on health, faith, and family issues.   We had a community from our parish church St. Paul's Catholic Church in Westerville OH and our Marriage Encounter Community.   

Grandpa Hill encourages the listeners to our Health episodes.  Always stay with your child.  Know their medications. Know the effects of under and overdosing on the medicines.  Pay attention.  Expect the best and be ready for the unexpected.    As parents with many children with several illnesses and injuries Grandma or Grandpa always stayed with the sick child.   They never wavered.   

Please enjoy the drama of Grandpa standing his ground and getting the best right thing done for Patricia in the hospital in the summer of 1981 in Pontiac Michigan.   Please share this story, with others.  It means so much to us to know that others might think better, live healthier, and laugh and enjoy life more because they Stayed With Their Child when they were hospitalized. 

This last episode of Grandpa Hill’s adventure trip is told by Grandpa Hill. It truly happened to him. There and back, the trip was nearly 500 miles.  This last episode starts on Day 6 and is full of adventure and fun.

The day starts with spirits high, leaving MARION. Eggs are stolen from a hen house and they confess when discovered. They are cared for by Aunt Margaret at the farm in Harrietta. The next day they make it to Okenama and Bill Lecuru’s grandparents. The bikers pick berries to get food money to come home. Tension builds the group starts to break up. Bill Lecuru does not make the return trip. Near the end Grandpa is attacked by a man in a pickup truck. Tensions build, Grandpa starts to fight with his fellow bikers. Sunburns and blisters are part of the very last day as the group dissolves never to be again.

Think, Laugh and Live with Grandpa as he retells this true adventure story to Caleb, Corbin, and Walter.

As Grandpa finishes the telling of the great Michigan Bicycle Trip, he reminds his grandsons that just because something is hard to do doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing.

CREDITS: 

Produced by:  David Richman,
Executively produced by:  Grandpa Hill

Art:  David Richman,
Music:  Michael Steele,
Audience:  Grandchildren Caleb Corbin and Walter.

Part 3: Day 4, Day 5, Day 6. Stuck in Marion Michigan.

Grandpa Hill and his friends leave Wilson State Park, where their neighbors had taken them after their highly unlikely and very fortuitous chance meeting the day before. They headed out of the park on what would come to be known as the "disaster day." The road was clear... until it wasn't.  

There is a tractor trailer truck in the opposing lane, going 70 or 80 mph. The gust from the speeding truck makes the bikes wobbly and some of them fall down. The bikers are a little scraped up, but even worse Bill's bike is busted. It's 3 miles to Marion Michigan, the next closest town. They'd have to walk.

In Marion, after a catastrophic attempt to fix the bike, Grandpa Hill and his friends don't have much to do, but they sure are hungry. There was not a crumb left of their lunch. The bikers run into a little trouble with the Police Chief and Fire Chief.  In their opinions the group of bikers were too friendly with the police chief's daughter.  They had their ways of expressing their disapproval. Nonetheless the girls did tell them about the park where they set up camp. Its raining, and the bikers find refuge playing cards in the town hall.

Day 5 Grandpa and Bill hitch hike to Cadillac Michigan to get a new bike wheel, and they come back to accusations of breaking into the laundry-mat, and the bikers agree to leave town the next day. With Bill's bike fixed they leave Marion Michigan behind.  Just before they go they witness an exciting chariot race.

Grandpa and his friends met a lot of challenges in Marion.  They didn't give up.  With rapidly emptying pockets, frequently empty stomachs, and a broken bike they kept on going.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced and Recorded by Grandpa Hill

Art: David Richman,
Music: Michael Steele,
Grandchildren in Audience: Caleb, Corbin and Walter.

On The Great Michigan Bicycle Trip PART 2, Day 2 and 3,  Grandpa Hill has  a much better time than day one of this 500 mile adventure across Michigan by four teenage boys.  In Day 1 the Lapeer County sheriff deputy was called to question him and he was rescued and escorted by the North Branch police.

In Day 2, his friend Bill gets cut by Dean and his big bowie knife.  Later Dean insists on showing his knife as they pedal on MI-46 in downtown Saginaw.   The next morning little girls fix Grandpa’s hair, and the later that day, Grandpa meets a special person in a special place that rescues all the bikers from a loose-gravel road that was not taking them where they wanted to go.  At the end of Day 3 in Wilson State Park.  They rest well, and,  think they are ready for the  excitement that will come on Day 4 near and in Marion Michigan.

Part 3 is coming soon, it will start with Day 4, which started so easy.  MI60 was a  flat straight road, no traffic.  An 18 wheeler came barreling down the road, and the bikers just were not ready for what happened next.

Please share Grandpa Hill’s true stories with at least one other person.  We think you will be glad you did!

Shalom!
Grandpa Hill.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music recorded by Michael Steele,
Art by David Richman,
Grandchildren: Caleb, Corbin, and Walter

Grandpa Hill was 16 years old and drawn to adventure.  The adventure in this story is a 500 mile long bicycle trip in the early 1970’s.   Four boys leave Rochester Michigan on their 10 speed bicycles.  Not one of the boys had ever been even on an overnight bicycle trip.  Their experience at camping was next to nothing. A recipe for disaster.

Grandpa Hill, Don, knew that if they didn’t go this year they would never go.  Summer jobs, graduation, college, military service, their interests, and their responsibilities would be changing.  Prepared or not, skilled or not, they were going to make this adventure trip. 

They had 50 miles behind them, their spirits soaring, and then the trouble began.   There was pain, anger, fear, viscous dogs, a knife, a Lapeer country sheriff deputy and a friendly and very helpful policeman from North Branch Michigan.  The confrontation was over, no one was hurt, no one was arrested and Grandpa would live to tell this story of the Great Michigan Bicycle Trip. There was no discouragement with the setback of Day 1.  With the end goal of Bill Lecuru’s Grandparent’s house near Onekama Michigan, Day 1 was done, and what a day it was!

Stay tuned for PART 2!

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill, 

Music played by Michael Steele,
Art by David Richman,
Grandchildren in Audience: Caleb, Corbin, and Walter.

This story isn't really about Devil's night, a night of tricks and pranks. It is a story about an unfortunate—or rather fortunate—course of events that led to Sparky becoming the dog of Grandpa Hill's family, way back when he was a just a boy of 11 years old.  

It was 1967 on a foggy Devil’s Night in Rochester Michigan.  A prank was played on a most unfortunate family and their dog. The next morning when the fog was still thick, Grandpa discovered there at the end of the driveway the Devil’s Night Dog, a young black and white Smooth Fox Terrier. The sweetest and barkiest dog there ever was... maybe. Nonetheless, the situation needed to be remedied.  

Grandpa’s family knew the drill.  They needed to find the owner and let them know what had happened to their terrier.  They tried and failed.  What happened next was a few years of fun love and happy times with Sparky. One day Sparky took off for his normal morning run.  He was normally back at the house within an hour.  

That day Sparky was brought home dead.  He was killed by a neighbor’s dog. Gorf and Marshmallow help the young listener to think through Sparky’s death and how it may have shaped Grandpa Hill’s life and what lessons may have been learned.

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Gorf: Grandpa
Marshmallow: David Richman
Music: Michael Steele
Art: David Richman
Grandchildren in the audience: Kyla, Lawrence, Eddy, and Levi

"Money Doesn't Grow on Trees" Grandpa Hill (Don)'s Dad said... as it turns out money does sometimes grow on trees. Donald was a teenager in the 1970's, and his Dad was explaining the folly of a purchase.  Don replied oh yes it does grow on trees! "Look right there!"  Right out side the living room window there was a money tree.  Grandpa's Mom used to pick what looked to be silver dollars off the tree and exchange them for dollars.

This seems unbelievable to the grandchildren listening to this story from long ago.  So, Grandpa takes them down the street to Ken and Cindy's house in Latrobe Pennsylvania and right there in the garden is a Money Tree, for real!

Gorf and Marshmallow discuss how to make money with the Money Tree, and, food, and doing the right thing when talking to your parents or are considering harvesting someone else's crop.  We hope you enjoy this simple Grandpa Hill True Story, keep listening, sharing, and exploring the dozens of other episodes!

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music recorded by Michael Steele,
Thumbnail composition by David Richman,
Grandchildren in Audience: David, Kyla, Breandan, Lawrence, and Edmund.

This story is about Grandpa Hill and his grandfather, Grandpa Bonse.  "Donny Boy" got turtle soup for his birthday and learned to consider carefully what he really wanted in his life.  In this case he was very excited to get a special meal that he was sure was the best ever.  Grandpa Bonse had to make his regular visit to the garbage dump near North Port MI.  Then he had Donny Boy look in a barrel of turtles, then they enjoyed a great lunch.  Grandpa Bonse enjoyed teaching Donny Boy this way.  Grandpa Hill (Donny Boy) enjoyed learning this way.  He felt loved.  

Gorf the frog  and Marshmallow the raccoon discuss the eating of frogs and turtles.  What you think about your food plays a big part in whether you will like it or not.  Grandpa did some thinking about his highly desired soup and then it wasn't quite so desired.  Marshmallow mostly thinks about eating more not what it is that he is eating.  Gorf handles the whole story pretty well.  Gorf does get tense with all the talk about eating things like frogs.  Marshmallow reminds Gorf again that he won't be consuming frogs any time soon.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music: Michael Steele,
Art: David Richman,
Grandchildren in Audience: Annette & Breandan

Grandma teaches Grandpa how to buy a car--how not to pay more than it is worth or than you can afford.  34 years after he learned his lesson Grandpa has bought over 20  cars. The family has nearly always has one dependable family car and a back up car. This has saved the family so much money.  No car payments ever!  Only once did he feel he should buy collision insurance coverage. 

His two current cars cost $1,000 and about $4000 dollars when they were new to him. Never has he bought a brand new car.  Occasionally he has offered money on cars at used car dealerships.  Never have those offers been accepted he just can't bring himself to pay more than what it is worth to him.  Grandpa is OK with that.  So is Grandma. 

Credits:
Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music and Art by David Richman

The Flood

In the dark January night Don Mary Lee and Brian set out for the Indiana Library. It was a warm day in Pennsylvania in January in the early 1990's.  The snow had been melting all day.  Flashflood warning were out.  There was water on Route 286.  Then the family car was floating and was in a flood. 

Grandpa quickly made a plan to leave the car and when it came time for the family to escape the car he ended up hurting Mary Lee.  Grandpa dragged her over the console of the small Chevy station wagon.  The floating car sank, the flood was eliminated with a shovel and the evening came to a close.  Mary Lee's arm was badly bruised and the car was totaled by the insurance company.

Grandpa loved Grandma deeply and at the moment considered the dragging minor compared to losing Grandma in the flood.  Looking back, Grandpa knows he loved well.  Grandpa also knows he over-reacted.  A few more seconds of thinking could have avoided the haste of the "escape".  A bit of caution and good judgement and he may have completely avoided being in the flood. 

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music & Art: David Richman

In 1979 Grandpa and Grandma Hill, were proud parents of their first child, Patricia Kay.  The huge $1900 hospital bill had just been paid.  Grandpa Hill was broke!  In a few days he would be at a to-be-determined-address 500 miles away with no money, no job, and full time college classes to attend.  The very next day the good news came in the mail.  The health insurance from Central Foundry was going to cover all of the hospital bill.  Grandpa went immediately to the hospital to get the $1900 back.  The hospital had already cashed the check, and, couldn't give him the money!  It would be weeks before they would get the check and the address to send it to still wasn't known.  All of the back and forth of getting the money would have to be done by mail and expensive phone calls.   The situation looked bleak, but, then Mary Lee (Grandma Hill) took over.

It took some sitting, some talking and a lot of patiently waiting and then it happened, Grandma Hill saved the day again.  Grandpa was so proud of what she had done, and grateful for the money.  "Honey how did you do it?"  Was his frequently asked question in those early years.  Grandma had truly saved the day!           

Grandpa Hill tells this true story to give credit to one of the unexpected talents that Grandma has for peaceably settling disputes and disagreements and issues.  Don (Grandpa Hill) wasn't so good at that sort of thing.   Before Don would get into the arguing, the run-around and the frustration of handling difficult issues he would wisely turn it all over to Mary Lee.  It would seem like a miracle to Don, when somehow Mary Lee would get the issue settled.

Mary Lee (Grandma Hill) was a stay at home mom in the early 80's in Columbus Ohio.   With two little children and one on the way money was tight. There had been a wreck, the car was damaged and the insurance company wasn't going to pay.  Mary Lee gets the insurance carrier to reverse their decision, cut a check, and, pay us for our loss.  The check was in Grandpa's hand about five hours after Mary Lee had started to address the issue.   The money was greatly needed.  She got it done, and fast.   Nobody mad, nobody sad, and several hundred dollars available to fix the family car; she truly saved the day. 

Mary Lee's special talent has served the family well these past forty four years. Don is so proud of and in love with Mary Lee.  

Credits: 

Produced by David Richman, Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music by David Richman

Once upon a time there were two little boys in the back of their father's aluminum flat bottomed fishing boat,  two big boys took turns at the front, but the two little boys got bigger.  As the four boys grew, one moved away, and, the little boys were crowded and heavy in the back of the boat.  Grandpa, one of the not so little boys, takes it upon himself to purchase a boat of his own so that he can go fishing while two of his brothers can be in the family boat.  Grandpa Hill's solution was a little yellow inflatable boat with a brass fitting.  He had saved his money and was determined to be independent in his own boat!

He learned that being independent is a lot of work.  That didn't stop him from being independent. Out on the lake all by himself, catching fish.

Grof and Marshmallow discuss the importance of independence but also the importance of taking turns (even when you don't like to) and spending time will your family. They also imagine what might've happened to Grandpa Hill's Boat. What do you think happened to Grandpa's Boat?

If you enjoyed our story please subscribe and share the story with everyone you know. If you would like to talk with us directly, email us at grandpahill.stories@gmail.com!

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Art: David R,
Music: Michael Steele
Grandchildren in the Audience: Lawrence, Edmund, and Levi

Grandpa is catching his breath, on the plane to deliver his report to the Georgia Power and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, but he realized didn't have the report! He wouldn't be on that plane if not for the work of Jody the secretary who drove him the papers he needed for the Nuclear Reactor case (another story). His boss held the plane, his job has been saved, and Grandpa realizes that... that... he kissed Jody. You know how people say, when they are very happy and thankful, "Oh I could just kiss you." Well, Grandpa didn't say that, instead he just kissed her.

The report is on a nuclear reactor failure, a crack in the boiling water reactor, but he realizes that he didn't have the report, but that is another story.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Grandchild, Art & Music: David Richman

In the spring of 1973, Rochester Michigan, Grandpa Hill found freedom, fun, and adventure on his light and fast 10 speed bicycle.  He had saved up for this bike and it met all of his needs and then some.   Grandpa had plans of pedaling his bike on many long rides packed with adventure.  In this episode he takes his bicycle on one very risky ride with his friend Bill.

His plans to ride that bike on trips that were 100’s of miles long were shattered when the bike crumpled against a curb.  In the wreck he loses his bike, breaks his arm, all while skipping school.   He does not want to admit his pains, especially not to his Dad that offered help.

Gorf and Marshmallow help the younger listener figure out what this growing up story is about.  There were losses, and, yes lessons were learned, the hard way.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music: Michael Steele
Art: David Richman

Grandpa Hill needed to earn money for college in 1976.  He got a job working in a chemical factory.  It was a stinky job with many hazards.  He got a chance to be promoted to be a truck driver.  He was to go at lunch renew the license he did not have and then finish out his shift, and report for work Monday morning to drive a truck he did not know how to drive.  The story is about Grandpa Hill's first day as a driver and how his career ended quickly.  

Gorf and Marshmallow discuss the clever way Grandpa started his driving career. Marshmallow is so excited about Grandpa's adventure in truck driving.   Gorf is adamant that Grandpa needed to be more honest and suggests a better more honest way to have talked to the owner, Mr. Michelin about getting his license.   

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music: Michael Steele,
Art: David Richman,
Audience of Grandchildren: Sarah, David, Leah, Anna, Miriam, and Ray, and their mother Patricia Richman

Grandpa Hill as a small boy in the 1960’s, near Northport Michigan, would cross Route 22, and, head up into the Pines to explore, and play.   He had a very active imagination in those woods and everywhere else too for that matter.  This episode is about one special tree the “Indian Tree” at the Northeast boundary of the “Pines” that he was in.  The Pines were deep dark  and cool a perfect place to imagine just  about anything.

Gorf and Marshmallow learn and explain about imagination.  Gorf (a bullfrog voiced by Grandpa Hill) likes to  imagine adventures.  Marshmallow (a Raccoon voiced by Grandpa’s Grandson) imagines mostly food.   Please join them time and time again by listening to Grandpa Hill’s True Stories.  Share our stories and their hope for more thinking laughing and living.

As you share Grandpa Hill’s Stories, consider sharing your own stories more.  Share your imaginations.  Just imagine the good that may happen!

Credits:

Produced by David Richman
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music: Michael Steele,
Art: David Richman,
Audience of Grandchildren: Caleb, Corbin, and Walter

The Fruit of One Decision

Grandpa Hill’s True Faith and Family Story of what truly happened to him at the Latin Mass in Latrobe Pennsylvania was possible because Donald and Mary Lee made a fruitful decision, to open the womb 33 years ago. They offer to everyone their story of deciding to reverse their sterility, and, proceeding to go from a “large enough” family to a much larger family. 

Grandpa realized recently in a sudden rush of emotion that the path they chose, although less traveled, not popular, and, considered risky and ill-advised has truly made all the difference.  Grandpa Hill is not a theologian, nor doctor, nor expert on fruitful decision making.  He is just a good critical thinker, and problem solver.  It’s what he does.  When Grandma has a good thing she shares it with everyone she knows and that’s what she does.  Grandpa and Grandma believe that their decisions, acting on those decisions,  what they love, and how they love is what makes them who they truly are.

Please enjoy this story and share it with others as you think laugh and live. Go to grandpahill-stories.org to contact us. We want to be our best at loving and caring and sharing Grandpa Hill’s True Stories with you. Your comments, stories, and needs become part of why we exist.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Music by David Richman

Every year Grandpa went, with his family, to visit his Grandma and Grandpa Bonse in Northport Michigan.  He remembers the great food especially his grandma's raisin bread.  Yum!  Grandpa had adventures every year!   A pine forest deep and dark and quiet, and the steep grassy hills behind the barn, set the "stage" for his vacation fun.  A box of simple toys gave hours of enjoyment.  At night Grandpa and his brothers could see through the floors.   

Two foods brought each vacation to a close.  Popcorn made by Grandpa Bonse and Chubs from town for the adults.  Gorf the frog is impressed with Grandpa's fun and initiates a game of tree tag.  Marshmallow plays too but has his priorities, food first!    Grandpa encourages his children his grandchildren and all children set down cell phones, shut off televisions and enjoy each other and enjoy their childhood as they learn to think laugh and live.   

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill, 

Music: Michael Steele
Grandchildren Audience: Kyla, Lawrence, Eddie.

Grandpa Hill, decided in 1973 in the summer to sell his Brandy.  He had received Brandy for his 13th birthday.    

As horse and rider Grandpa and Brandy had been through a lot together.  Grandpa had learned to be responsible, to be a caregiver, and he learned how to ride well enough to stay on Brandy.  Grandpa still considered Brandy to be very stubborn and failed to see the steady progress of gentling that was occurring with Brandy. The plan was to sell Brandy and if possible all of his tack.   

On that fateful morning when a potential buyer came to his house Grandpa saddled up Brandy for the little girl that was going to be riding him in the future.  Grandpa was shocked and surprised by Brandy's behavior.  The sale went through.  Grandpa had $600 from the sale of Brandy plus tack.  Now, he wanted a car! The experience with Brandy demanded that he learn a lot, and do a lot.  Getting bucked and thrown wasn't comfortable.  Owning a horse and starting from scratch without knowledge, skill, or contacts,  required thinking.  As he remembers it he laughed a lot as he tried and tried and tried again.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Voice of Gorf: Grandpa, Voice of Marshmallow: David,
Art: David Richman
Music: Michael Steele
Grandchildren: Joseph, Catherine, and Lizzy

Grandpa Use Geometry to master his troublesome pony. Brandy has been holding his breath while Grandpa puts on the saddle. As result of 2 pi R Brandy gains three inches of looseness on Grandpa, so Grandpa goes flying when Brandy stops for clovers. The solution: Grandpa waits for Brandy to relax, then he cinches up the straps.

Now Grandpa is getting really good at riding, though Brandy tries his best to eject Grandpa from the saddle, but Grandpa just won't quit. Grandpa and Brandy have many more adventures, until that fateful day when Grandpa sells Brandy.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Art: David Richman
Music: Michael Steele
Grandchildren: Joseph, Catherine, and Lizzy

Grandpa gets a pony for his Birthday, Brandy. Brandy, as it turns out, is a thoroughly stubborn animal who fights Grandpa every step of the way. Hours of watching and reading westerns couldn't prepare him for this bucking bronco. It doesn't help matters that Grandpa knows neither head or hoof about caring for horses, much less how to ride them. As a result Grandpa learns how to get bucked, and (eventually) how to stay on.

Brandy is a difficult horse but he brings a lot of lessons. Lessons of perseverance and responsibility. Although Grandpa didn't like getting thrown in the dirt, he still kept his duties as the owner of a horse. It was his horse, so he had to feed, water and bath it.

By the end of the story Grandpa Hill was living his dream, as real a cow boy he would ever be, but it would be foolish to think this fence leaping horse has been broken. Tune in next time to hear of Brandy's affection for clover, and how Grandpa used geometry to solve the problem of the Bucking Brandy.

Credits:

Produced by David Richman,
Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

Art: David Richman
Music: Michael Steele
Grandchildren: Joseph, Catherine, and Lizzy