My Papaw was one of the greatest people that I ever knew. He was a kind, caring, compassionate, genuine, funny, Christian man who loved his family more than life itself. Even though he lived in Oklahoma, I was fortunate enough to have him be a huge part of my life for 33 wonderful years. He lived to see the birth of both of my children and had a bond with Lily like I have never seen before. He came to Texas at least 4-5 times per year and would stay for 2 or more weeks at a time. We always made special plans to visit him in Corsicana and he always managed to come spend time with us at our house as well.
Lily recognized his gentle spirit at a very early age and was always drawn to him. In fact, 2 days before his death, we went to visit Papaw at my parents house and she was so excited to see him that she ran with her Subway sandwich in hand, jumped in his lap, and had a picnic right there in the recliner with him. Her favorite memory of Papaw is him letting her ride on his walker. She saw past his wrinkles, slow steps, and ears that couldn't always hear what she said. Instead, she saw her playmate, her best friend, someone that she will remember and love for the rest of her life. I thank God every day that she was able to know Papaw, even if it was only for 4 years, because he has influenced her life for the better.
There are so many things about Papaw that I will never forget. I will always remember how his hands felt when I held them. I will never forget the way he breathed or the way he patted my shoulder just because. I will remember him every time that I drink a glass of tea because he put just the right amount of sugar and lemon in ours every time. I can never look at a golf ball, golf club, or golf cart without thinking of him because besides family and God, golf was the next best thing. I remember the excitement that I felt and the pride that he felt when I told him that I was using Thomas, my Papaw's name, for Cooper's middle name. Every time that I called him, he ended our conversation by saying, "You really made my day. Love you, babe." He had a distinct way that he said my kids names, Lily and Cooper. I can still hear those words today, and its been an entire year since I've actually heard them come from his lips.
One of the last conversations that I had with my Papaw was just 2 days before he passed away. We were getting ready to move him to an assisted living center in Corsicana. It was around the 4th of July and there were some kinks with paperwork and he had to wait a day longer than expected to move. I asked him if he was disappointed that he couldn't move that day and he said, "No, honey. That just means that I get to spend one more day with my family." Little did I know the importance of those words then but I soon understood them. He knew that his life on earth was coming to an end and even still, he wanted to soak up every possible second with his family.
I know that I loved my Papaw as much as any grandchild could love their grandparent. It was very important to me to show him that I loved him and to take care of him. I can only hope that my kids love their grandparents and take care of them the way that I loved and took care of Papaw. He will forever live in my heart and in my memories........
Papaw and Lily on her 2nd birthday
Papaw with Lily and Cooper
