Fall reminds me of RW

Every day as I drive around and see the beautiful colors I am reminded of Dad. I don't know anyone who loved nature like he did. He loved the fall leaves. He and mom often took trips to "see the leaves". Wonder if the leaves change in heaven.

There was one day when Dad came to my office and got me and said, come with me, I want to show you something. We drove a few miles away to the top of a hill where the most glorious tree was brilliant with color. It was literally glowing. It was such a display of God's awesome creation. Occasionally I pass that same tree now and it reminds me of my Dad. In fact everytime I see a magnificent colorful tree I remember my Dad.

Today I was pointing out beautiful trees to my grandson, Josiah. I hope he inherits this love of the turning of leaves and I hope he remembers how much MiMi loved the fall colors.

The tribe of Ralph Woerner

A new chapter is being written in the tribe of Ralph Woerner. As we accept the mantle that has been passed we have come together for a weekend of prayer and worship and family vision. It has been far better than anything I could imagine. I am in awe of how God is directing us and uniting us. He has definitely redeemed us in so many ways. Where we are as a family is only explained as a work of God. I am so excited to see where God will lead us and how he will allow us to partner with him. "His gift to us". What a priviledge. For those who are not able to be with us this weekend, we are praying for you also. God is doing something big in this family. I'm full of thankfulness and praise to our Lord, our redeemer. Thank you Dad for what you began in this family. God is continuing that work.

just one more

I've been thinking about RW a lot lately. Not really focused on anything in particular. Just thinking about him. Just looking at the finger print he left on my life. I find myself wandering back to this blog, or looking at pictures, or listening to the song we played at his funeral.
Just one more. Like when you reach for that one more piece of watermelon, when you shoulda stopped 3 pieces ago. Like when you tell yourself I'll just put one more cricket on the hook and drop it in one more time to see if I can get one more fish.
I'm not sure if I'm looking for anything in particular. Just wanting to hear his story again. One more time.

Father's Day

We are one week from Father's Day. I'm curious to hear from Ralph's girls. What is one of your favorite memories of RW as a daddy? What was a special moment when he touched your heart?

Let's go eat!

No doubt about it, RW loved to eat. Only a fool would step between that man and his plate. Of course, he wouldn't allow you to, because he ate with his face 4 inches from the plate.

My question is, what did he love to eat?
What are several things that you remember that Papaw loved to eat?
What was his favorite of all?

Famous Words

I would describe Papaw as a man who taught by his example not so much by his words of instruction. Obviously I'm not talking about scripture related teachings because he was stellar at using his words to teach God's ways. I'm talking more about life's lessons, principles, and unspoken laws of success. Example: I don't remember him specifically teaching me how to work hard with his words. He would just show me how to work hard by raking leaves like a crazy man.
So I find that I have learned more from Papaw by watching him, than by listening to him.
I'm curious, can you remember specific sayings, or lessons, or clear instruction from Papaw? Did he have some golden nuggets of success that he shared with you? What were some of the famous words that Papaw lived by, and also shared with you?

A few things

1) I always thought Sniff Sniff looked like Pawpaw. Also, I can't remember what sniff sniff would talk to us about. Can anybody help?

2) Once at Meems and Pepaws house, they were talking to me about when I was a little girl. Pawpaw was just sitting there staring at me and he suddenly says "You know, when you were little, I thought you were a retard child". I threw my pillow at him and said "PAWPAW!!!!" And he started laughing and said "Well, we couldn't get you to say anything. I thought you were retarded until one day you talked". NICE!!!

3) Richard- thanks for making this blog!! I didn't think Pawpaws death would effect me as greatly as it has. I have loved checking this blog numerous times a day. It's great to read what other people thought of him, remember stories, and just still have part of Pawpaw to take with me every day.

4) I GRADUATED!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wouldnt even have started college if Pawpaw hadn't given me money to pay for it, so thanks Pawpaw!!!!!!1