My Paw Paw

I am longing for a slap right now, this may sound strange, but there is nothing like a slap in the kidney from my paw paw. There is no pain in the world that can compare as he slaps the lower part of my back, smiling and laughing, showing his joy in me.
I will miss driving the truck in the parking lot of my kindergarten. After a hearty breakfast at Denny's and a bit of coffee in a little creamer cup, we were headed to school. There I would sit in his lap and drive his truck around the parking lot.
My favorite memory though is definitely, the shakes! When we were riding in the truck I would stand up and squeeze his neck as hard as I could and he would start shaking...convulsing and making a big ruckus. As if my loving him was more than his body could take. The truck was suddenly filled with howling and laughter.

Now paw paw, your body is tired and your race is almost over. You are about to enter an eternal state of rest. I have imagined this so many times. What will it be like to see Jesus? I imagine that when I see Jesus, the first thing I will do is kiss his cheek. A kiss of complete adoration and delight. Just as I used to do to you, paw paw. You taught me what it feels like to be delighted in. To be someones joy. Now as you are leaving this world and entering into Jesus arms, you may know what a delight you are to him. I imagine Harold is there waiting on you as well. I am sure Jesus has told him, "Ralph is coming soon". I imagine that Harold will be jumping with joy when you get there. He will be so excited to show you around and tell you all about how wonderful it is there. Then Jesus will take you to your mansion. It will be glorious I know. And lining the front walk, I have no doubt, will be satsuma trees!
Paw Paw, you will be dearly missed here. But I am thrilled that you are soon going to meet Jesus. You have run your race well. I know you are tired and are ready to see the finish line. I promise it is right over the hill. And paw paw when you do enter that glorious rest your body so desperately needs, give Jesus a hug for me.
I will be seeing you again. You will be young and handsome and full of life again. This is what I will cling to when the grief seems too great. I love you paw paw. I love you.
Memaw says that when I was a little girl I would stare at a picture of you, that was hanging on the wall. And with awe in my voice and adoration in my eyes I would say "My paw paw"
You are still that man that I adore. You are still my paw paw.