Like Blood

I've been trying to figure out how to share what Pawpaw has meant to me. I'm having a hard time. But here goes nothing!
I've heard so many stories about him from Richard and others. I've heard them so many times that some of them seem like they are my own memories. I may not have been born into this family. His blood may not run in my veins. I may not have known him my whole life but he was my Pawpaw too, like blood. From the first time I met him he showered me with affection and love like I was his blood. He hugged me tight and hugged me long. Every time I saw him after that it was the same but he added "the" stare flashing me his big smile and would say, "Heeeyyy, how ya' doin'?" as he would slap my back. Frequently I would watch as Richard would hug his Pawpaw, lifting him up off of the ground and Pawpaw would wrap his legs around Richard's waist. It gave us all a good chuckle and it's an image embedded in my minds eye. He was fun and funny. From the beginning he welcomed me into his family and it seemed into his heart as well. He and Memaw both made sure that I felt welcome to them every time I was in their presence. They were interested in me, in my life. That is something I will always remember.
I was able to have my own road trips with Pawpaw and Memaw when Richard and I first married. The four of us traveled together most weekends to various church's for them to preach together. I was able to see the hand stretch high and back and some how rest on the ceiling of the car. I heard his loud sighs, I even saw him in his undershirt, navy slacks, and black socks before going to bed. Actually, I saw him in his undershirt, black socks and boxers laying in bed after Memaw invited us to their room to visit. On one road trip he continued to call me Wesley the whole time. I didn't even care. I kinda liked it, like it was a pet name he gave me. I think he introduced me as Wesley in front a church even.
I went deep sea fishing one time with him and remember his brother Eddie teasing him for being quiet and not saying much. Then again Eddie several years later asked why Caleb, who was 6 months at the time, wasn't walking ("shouldn't IT be walking?!"). I liked the times Pawpaw was quiet and would stare. Poor Pawpaw yacked over the side of the dock after we got off of the boat. I know many of you aren't strangers to that though. Pawpaw was an avid Alabama fan and for fun I would talk smack to him about Alabama vs. Auburn. I don't know why. I would just say things to see him get stirred up. One year at Sharon's we were watching the Iron Bowl with Memaw and Pawpaw and we were sitting side by side on the floor leaning against the couch. I was talking smack and the next thing I knew Pawpaw had tackled me to the ground. I wasn't sure what to do so I just laid there trying to figure out what just happened. We all just laughed and laughed about it. I'm so happy he embraced me into his family so much so that he wouldn't think twice to tackle me down. I can also remember swimming at Sharon's and watching Pawpaw who was 70 or 71 years do a flip off of the diving board like he was 20! I couldn't believe it! He was so full of life and pleasure.
Like all of you I'm proud to call him my Pawpaw. I like being part of him, knowing him and remembering him. I always wanted to sit by him when we were at family gatherings or out at restaurants. In the last couple of years I tried to show him my affection for him like he did me. I would enjoy giving him long tight hugs, holding his hand, asking him how he was doing and serving him at meal times. I always made sure to tell him I love him when leaving his presence. I wanted him to know, I wanted him to hear it.
He made me feel special and he will always be special to me. I love him, my Pawpaw.