This is James Russell, my poppop, my best friend, my inspiration, my teacher.

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My poppop's favorite bird is a chickadee, because they're so friendly. Every summer he sits on our porch and puts bird food right next to him to see if a bird will sit with him. He calls everyone Charlie, because, as he says, "Charlie's your pal, Charlie is your friend." He'll give up his chair to whoever needs it the most, even though he needs it the most. His eyes light up everytime I make cookies. He eats spaghetti with a spoon because "that's the Italian way". He does yard work even though he can barley stand. He's stubborn in his ways where he'll never let anyone take care of him, with the exception of my uncle, my mom, and myself. If he's in a group he won't say anything but as soon as it's just me and him he'll never stop talking. When I was younger he watched Cinderella with me a thousand times, played cards whenever I wanted and played house with me every day. He's a classic grumpy old grandpa. But the thing I love most about him is he'll always try to make a joke or make a funny face just to get me to smile.

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