Judy's Doll

My Mommy's name is Judy.
In me she takes delight.
I never would do wrong things,
I'd rather do what's right.

She handles me so carefully,
She loves me best of all.
I'm sure she'd sooner have me.
Than a more expensive doll.

I never want for anything,
She's such a dandy mother.
And just between you and me,
I wouldn't want some other.

I may be just a dolly,
and I may seem awfully cold.
To give my love's not folly,
When it come's back many fold.

So I save it all for mommy,
you would if you were see.
It's natural that I care for her,
For she cares so much for me.

Background

Judy is my grandfather's oldest child and a wonderful aunt to me. I can imagine her playing hours with this dolly. My father's family grew up in a modest home, wanting for little. They were not wealthy so I can also image that there were many things that they could not afford in excess. There were probably many dollies to be had - bigger, prettier, more expensive dollies. Although I am sure my aunt would not have whined or felt lacking I know my Grandfather would have felt guilty that he could not give everything to his little girl.

Writing this poem to me represents this cherished love he had for his children, in this case, Judy and his need to want to create more for them. I think that is the wish of all good parents, don't you?

The Tanacity of Entrepreneurship

The penguin, moose, and polar bear are icons of winter representing the tenacity required to endure the wilderness during times when food is scarce and the environment is uncomfortable.

This is true of the entrepreneur as well. Business is like winter in the sense that money can be scarce and the environment uncomfortable, especially for anyone who was once an employee. The true entrepreneur does not migrate but digs in, works hard through the scarce times with full faith that spring will come again.

Long after my grandfather had passed away my father passed on a statement of wisdom that his father had given to him.

"Don't worry about the money, worry about the business and the money will come."

My father explains that Grandpa always strove to provide the best service for his customers and that is why everyone liked "The Timbrell Boys" and patronized their store. They were part of their community and hence part of the environment that made the winters of business more than bearable.

Infatuation

Jack Timbrell was a special man to me. He was fun and funny, intelligent and intellectual with business smarts to spare. Jack had a first-year university education (almost unheard of in his day) and he was an entrepreneur. He was my grandfather.
Jack owned the family business, a butcher shop, with his brother Tom. The butcher shop, inherited from their father and his father before him, was known as Timbrell's Meat Market and was located at 255 Dundas Street in London Ontario. They were well-liked and respected in the community. Growing up I could go almost anywhere in London and toss out my name and someone would know my grandfather or his brother and welcome me. It was a comfortable shadow to grow up under and it explains my tendency towards entrepreneurship as well.

Timbrell's Meat Market - circa early 1900's Thomas G. Timbrell on right

Jack was a visionary with no outlet so he put his thoughts and feelings in writing. He wrote mostly poems in blank accounting books often capturing his intimate feelings about his situation and the people around him. I cannot speculate on some of the content but the first poem posted below was written about me and it brings me to tears every time I think of his smiling face now knowing the great love he had for his then 4-year-old granddaughter.

And now I will start the sharing...

Infatuation

Who am I that such beauty should smile on me.

That this exquisite lady should find pleasure in my company.

Who am I that her flashing eyes should play havoc with my heart

And should return my love with genuineness, not as an actress plays a part.

Why do I find such pleasure in her eyes, her voice, her ways

When other moods would better suit my age.

The time will come and t'will be said

So many men have sought her,

But to-day she's mine and I confess Great love for my Granddaughter.


- Jack Timbrell July 1969 -