One week ago I got a phone call letting me know that my Grandfather passed away. I honestly took it a lot harder than I expected to. Papaw has had lots of health problems and has really gone downhill over the past year. I had the opportunity to see him in July and he had a really great week! He had more strength and better memory while we were there. As I was saying bye, I remember tearing up in the car as we drove away because I felt like I was saying bye for the last time. We all have been preparing ourselves, but nothing can really prepare you for losing someone you love.
Travis encouraged me to go down to Papaw's funeral even though he would not be able to come. I am so glad I went. I think anytime you lose someone, you think of what else you could have/should have done. I was able to feel a peace come over me during the funeral service.
All of the sons and all but a few of the grandchildren were able to go to North Carolina for the funeral. The grandchildren went to the church early to have a private viewing of Papaw. Adelyn was with me and we got a moment alone with Papaw. He looked really good and I know that he is out of his pain. I was nervous about bringing Adelyn because I wasn't sure what she would do. I took her up to the casket and told her it was Papaw and that he was with Heavenly Father now. I truly believe that children are more sensitive to the spirit and they understand more than they can express. I feel like she understood what was going on. At one point, without prompting, she looked at Papaw and sweetly waved and said, "bye bye, I love you." I think she knew that this was a spiritual, somber time.
During the funeral service at the church, one of Papaw's friends spoke. He encouraged all of the grandchildren to write down a memory of Papaw. I think this is a great way of healing and remembering him so this post is more for me than anyone else.
As a child, Granny and Papaw were always our young, strong grandparents. My mom's parents were a lot older. I remember Papaw getting out and doing things with the kids. One of the things I think of when I think of Papaw was his love of gardening. When we were younger, he had some land where he grew corn and beans (I think). He also had a garden in the back yard that had tomatoes, cucumbers, squash and I am sure other things. Papaw would drive us out to his land to pick some of his crops. Then he, Granny and the kids would shell peas and shuck the corn out on their front porch.
Other random things I remember from my childhood.
Papaw loved to work on things. He had a shop with every tool imaginable! I remember going in the shop with him, but don't remember any specific projects. I know he and Granny used to make a lot of wood and glass crafts.
At church, Papaw was the candy man! He was that grandpa that gave candy to all the kids if they came and shook his hand!
Papaw was a very patriotic man! He served in the Vietnam war. I always loved hearing his prayers and how he included the service men and their families, the country and our leaders.
Papaw loves college football and his family! My cousin played for South Carolina and I don't think he would have been more proud.
I don't know who organized it, but I remember having an Easter egg hunt at his house. We were always outside.
The most recent memory I have is of him and Adelyn. Papaw and Adelyn had an instant connection. When we went to visit him, Adelyn went right over and gave him a hug. He used to hang it over Granny's head that Adelyn chose to come to him over her. He and Granny request updated pictures and I can't tell you how many times I heard that he showed those pictures to everyone that came over to their house or he would tell granny to take the pictures when she would go out somewhere. He is proud of his family and you can tell that they are the most important thing to them.
I am glad that I had this last week to remember such a great man. I learned more about him at the funeral and in the proceeding week as family reflected his life. I am grateful that I had a good relationship with him and that I know about the
plan of salvation and that we will be together again someday.
I am also grateful for the time that I got to spend with my family. I really do have the best family in the world. I felt closer to them as I learned more about Papaw and as we brought each other support. My dad has a way of knowing what we need to hear.
All the grandson's carrying Papaw in.
Stephen, Ryan, Nathan, Stephen, Ben and Dusty.
After they folded the flag and presented it to Granny, they played taps. It was neat seeing the military service! I was especially impressed with these young men as they stood out in the cold and rain. As we drove up, they were standing at attention to show their respect for Papaw. It really touched me!
Some of the flowers and the military vault that Papaw would be buried in.
One other thing that I want to jot down so I don't forget. Mom and dad took Adelyn up one last time to say bye. Dad told Adelyn to say bye, she looked up past the casket pointed and said "he's there." It may be just coincidence, but I really do believe that she could see Papaw's spirit there at the cemetery with us.
Granny and Adelyn the night before we left. I am so glad that I brought her. She helped ease the pain of losing Papaw and gave us all something to smile about. It is amazing how little kids can help so much in the healing process. She would go give everyone hugs, say I love you and get them to come dance with her. She was a great distraction for me because it is during the quiet times that I have to think that are the hardest. She was such a blessing to have with me!
