reading your memories

I am filled with awe as read each of your tributes and memories of paw paw. What an impact he has had on all our lives. I rejoice that I have been blessed to be a part of such a great heritage.

It is hard to sit here in his room seeing his life come to an end. I think about all the nurses who come in and out of his room who don't know what a powerful man he has been. They see a shell and I see a man who preached hard, worked hard, loved hard and played hard. Recently when he and I walked on his property I asked him, "do you know what an impact you have had in people's lives?" with tears in his eyes he said no and I assured him it has been astounding. During that walk I was able to tell him what a great a father he has been to me and how much I loved him. He told he believed he would die in the next year. I wanted to make sure I told him all that was on my heart.

Over the last couple of days I have been reminded of many memories I have of him. I would like to share some of those, in no random order.

I guess I was about 14 and i went to the park with some friends. I was just getting on a motorcycle with some guy and up drove pawpaw to check on me. yikes. He always made sure I knew he could check up on me at any time. And he did quite often. My teen years were difficult for he and I at times yet I always knew he loved me. Many days I would sit on his lap and we would discuss the events going on in my life. He set the standard for the husband I would choose one day. He loved Ron so much.

Dad was the one who taught me about the birds and the bees. I remember one day being with him and him telling me all about boys and how they would want to touch you and i remember saying yuck i am not doing that. Later on down the road I received THE BOOK which went into more detail. (i think we all got that).

I got many whippings but i would have to say for the most part i deserved them. There were times it was unjust but he would admit when he was wrong. He was a fair man.
When I had my own kids and would spank them he would not like it. I would always have to remind him that he had spanked us.

His most powerful influence would have to be in my spiritual development. Who could not fall under conviction with the great sermons he preached. He led our church to have camp events and those were great times spiritually.

Dad had such charism. He was funny and fun to be around. Many people loved him. I have always been proud to be his daughter.

I use to love hearing the story how he drove home so carefully when he brought me home from the hospital. He told that story often when he would call to tell me happy birthday.

And who in the family will ever forget him going out to get a stick to swab our throats with.

The memories just flow through my veins.

Dad, i love you so much. Go fly home and be with your parents, siblings and Harold. we will carry the torch. we will always hold you close in our hearts. we will repeat the stories to one another and to our grandkids. i will try and be the kind of grandparent that you have been. thank you for showing us Jesus in the flesh and for loving each one of us the way that you did.