Papa

On January 26, my grandfather, "Papa", passed away after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer.  He defied the odds and held on much longer than expected, and everyone close to him shared about how grateful they were for that last year.  I'm grateful for my grandfather.  I'm grateful that he married my grandmother and that, even in rocky times, they stuck together until the very end.  Until death do us part.  That's a gift I hope I never take for granted.  That I had two sets of grandparents and a set of parents that stuck it out.  What a legacy that I get to walk in.  I'm thankful that my grandparents had three wonderful children that would eventually become my mom, aunt, and uncle and would provide a network of family relationships that I am so grateful for today.  

At my grandfather's graveside service, the family got to tell stories about Papa and reflect on the man that he was.  There was talk of his intelligence, his independent spirit, his faith, his integrity, his work ethic.  I remember his love for crossword puzzles and I took on that love from a young age.  He used to have this little computerized device that would help him solve puzzles and I insisted on getting one as well.  That desire to problem solve must have come from him.  Another piece of me that I feel has come from my grandfather is his thirst for adventure.  He would grab his motorcycle and head out to Colorado on a whim.  I love spontaneity, living a life that is open and free and willing to change directions at a moment's notice, and I love the idea of being wrapped up in a great adventure.  My picture of that great adventure has changed over the years, but the desire to continue to run after it has not.  Once I moved away from home, I didn't get to spend as much time with Papa, but this last year I have so many wonderful memories and I am so grateful for that time.  Thank you Lord for that last year.  One memory that will really stick with me is that he really wanted Anniston to have a gift from his apartment when she came to visit.  He was adamant she take it home.  I was really touched by the way that he loved her in that moment.  Something strikes a cord in me when someone loves my kids...and I will never forget their interaction that day.    

Papa, I love you.  Thank you for the man that you were and for the legacy you have left behind.