Murder Mystery

"What happened? He was in such good shape. How could he die?"

"Someone broke into his house and Ira came home while the man was there. At least, that is what the police think. He just happened to interrupt a burglar, and the burglar shot him."

"Who? Who did it?"

"They don't know, Joe. He got away. The police are investigating it. But right now they have nothing to go on. Come on, get changed. Your dad is very upset. I know he wants you and Mitch with him right now. I'll explain to your coach."

I went to the locker room trying to comprehend everything that Mom told me. I still couldn't believe it. My grandpa, murdered by a thief. I tried to pull myself together as I was getting dressed. I couldn't imagine life without grandpa even though, since knowing MM, I thought I better understood death. I couldn't grasp the thought that I would have to live the rest of my life without my best friend, Grandpa Ira. Alone in the locker room, I silently wept again.

The funeral was on the following Friday. Mitch and Amy were sitting with me at the service. I was thinking about some of the times we had together. Garfield Park had a large indoor greenhouse with hundreds of tropical plants. One plant that my grandpa had shown me was one I will never forget. It was a Mimosa plant, a pretty leafy plant that has dark green frail tiny leaves. It is unique because the leaves immediately close up when touched. The reaction of those little leaves was astounding. Even to this day, I am amazed at that tiny plant. I will forever associate that plant with my grandfather. I didn't know it then, but that little plant later became an important part of my life.