Amazing Man - Amazing Legacy

*music by Pearl Jam - Just Breathe

Loss Part 2

It's sad that it takes losing someone to think of past memories. We should think of people and fond memories all the time. Some of my favorite memories of Pappaw are going over to his house with all my family and eating dinner and hanging out. Pappaw would always get out his guitar and sing old country songs. Some of my Uncles and my Aunt Margaret (who has an amazing voice) would join in. There were other times where me and my cousins would spend the night and sleep on the pull-out sofa staying up late watching Sunny and Cher or some old show from back in the day. I have several more memories than that too, obviously. I am so greatful to have such a large family that can share all these memories with.

Loss Part 1

I have lost people in my life and each one has been hard. But I lost my Pappaw last night and it has hit me harder than any loss I have had. It happened last night around 8:00. He had been in the hospital off and on with pneumonia and was finally placed in a rehab facility to start getting better. Over the past few years he had become all too familiar with hospitals. However, each time he went in he would bounce back. He was a fighter. A strong man. It was just too much for him last night. My Aunt called me and told me to get to the hospital last night because my Mom needed me there. I knew it wasn't good. Not 5 minutes after I arrived, the Nurse led us back to "the room" and the Doctor came in to deliver the news. I was so glad I could be there for my Mom and my Aunt (who I lovingly refer to as my 2nd Mom). They let us come in and see Pappaw to say our good-byes. I knew he had only been gone for a very short time, and I don't know what I expected to see. But it was surreal. As more family arrived, we all stayed in the room with him until the funeral home arrived. The strongest person there was my Mammaw. She didn't shed a tear. I think she felt it was her place to keep her cool and make everyone feel better by telling stories and joking. That's just like her.

I have so many memories of spending time with both my Mammaw and Pappaw. It seems like yesterday......