Grandpa Hill's True Stories

Tag: family stories

  • Grandpa Cuts Himself With a Chain Saw – Slightly Wiser Story

    Grandpa Cuts Himself With a Chain Saw – Slightly Wiser Story

    In 1974 Grandpa Hill, Don Hill, was clearing stump logs around Karl Greimel’s Estate.  He was 16 years old and  the blade on Mr. Greimel’s saw was 16 inches long.  When the blade entered his leg he knew he was in trouble.  As he drove himself to the hospital his left leg was warm and wet as his boot filled with blood. 

    At the hospital Don collapsed.  He came to and was soon being stitched half way up.  There was an interruption in the stitching and  a lack of Novocain that made it a very memorable experience.

    Grandpa shares this story with his grandchildren, his children and all children hoping that they won’t make the mistakes he did.  Don’t work alone, especially with dangerous things like chainsaws in the snow on a hill.  Never cut up hill.  Don’t touch any of the tools or supplies  when you are laying on the bed getting stitched by a very busy Doctor.

    Please share this story, with your family and friends.  Maybe it makes a difference to their futures as they Think Laugh and Live.

    Grandchildren In the Audience (I think):  David, Annette, Breandan, Kyla, Lawrence, Edmund, Levi, Emma and Eoghan.

    Author and Producer Grandpa Hill; Artist Amy Steele; Pickin Michael Steele.

  • Don and Mary Decide to Homeschool – Faith and Family Story

    Don and Mary Decide to Homeschool – Faith and Family Story

    In 1989 Grandpa (Don) and Grandma (Mary) lived in Savage Minnesota with their four children.   Three of them attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School.   Don while teaching catechism is informed by his student, Sarah, that things have changed since he was a boy in catechism. Her claim was that today’s children need to decide for themselves what is right and wrong for them.

    Don was surprised.  He learned that Sarah was right about what the school was teaching.  St. John’s was now using “values clarification” texts for teaching morals and virtues.   Students would indeed be taught in catechism, and in the school that virtues and morals are relative, and subjective.  The training would be all about clarifying your values and deciding what’s right for you.   No right nor wrong way to believe.

    Don objects!   By accident Don and Mary learn there is such a thing as homeschooling.   They also learn that they too were practicing “values clarification”, ‘doing what was right for them, which really wasn’t right at all’.

    Don saw the fruits of homeschooling in 1989 and wanted them so much for his own family that Don and Mary decide to homeschool their children.  Don and Mary decide to teach Godly character traits and values to their children.   The family stops watching the TV.  Mary gets a tubal reversal.   Together they make the sacrifices and changes needed as they put their trust in God.   The family grows to eight children.  Two of the eight children become religious sisters.  Six of them are happily married.  From those six marriages there are twenty three grandchildren!   All of the children and grandchildren have kept their Catholic faith.

    Grandma and Grandpa Hill are so glad they made those decisions of 1989, homeschooling, the tubal reversal and turning off the TV.

    As promised this is the link to a recommended article by William Kilpatrick https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/education/catholic-contributions/how-not-to-teach-morality.html 

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Grandchildren in the audience: Breandan

    Music: Michael Steele

    Art: Amy Steele

  • A Superior Minnesota Vacation

    A Superior Minnesota Vacation

    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!

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Grandchildren in the audience: Breandan

    Music: Michael Steele

    Art: Amy Steele

  • A Boy and His Dog Jack – Children’s Story

    A Boy and His Dog Jack – Children’s Story

    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.

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Grandchildren in the audience: Breandan

    Music: Michael Steele

    Art: Amy Steele

  • Two Women That Talked Too Much – Faith and Family Story

    Two Women That Talked Too Much – Faith and Family Story

    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!

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Grandchildren in the audience: Breandan

    Music: Michael Steele

    Art: Amy Steele

  • Love Hurts No. 3, Grandma Kicks Grandpa – Faith and Family Story

    Love Hurts No. 3, Grandma Kicks Grandpa – Faith and Family Story

    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.

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Grandchildren in the audience: Breandan

    Music: Michael Steele

    Art: Amy Steele

  • Grandma’s First Couch – A slightly wiser story.

    Grandma’s First Couch – A slightly wiser story.

    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”.

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill
    Music: David Richman
    Art: Amy Steele
    Grandchildren in the audience: Annette, Breandan, Eoghan, and David.

  • Patricia Puts The Baby First! – Grandpa Hill’s True Stories

    Patricia Puts The Baby First! – Grandpa Hill’s True Stories

    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!

    Credits:

    Produced by David Richman,
    Executively Produced by Grandpa Hill

    Gorf: Grandpa
    Marshmallow: David Richman
    Music: David Richman
    Art: Amy Steele
    Grandchildren in the audience: Sarah, David, Leah, Anna, Miriam, Raymond, and Naomi.

  • One Day Truck Driving Career

    One Day Truck Driving Career

    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

    Gorf: Grandpa
    Marshmallow: David Richman
    Music: Michael Steele
    Art: David Richman
    Grandchildren in the audience: Sarah, David, Leah, Anna, Miriam, and Ray

  • Brandy Pony is Sold

    Brandy Pony is Sold

    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