A week from now, it will be an entire year since my family lost our beloved Papa. This December, it will be seven years since we lost Meme. Grandparents are so important and when we have to come to terms with the fact that they won't live forever, life gets hard. Even at 86 years old, my Papa was the backbone of our family. He helped anyone that needed it or didn't need it. If you ever wanted to know anything about the time he met Willie Nelson or how he joined the military when he was 17, he was going to tell you even if you didn't want to hear about it. I may have gotten annoyed with the 47 phone calls and messages, but I wish more than anything to have that again now.
To the man who was more than just my grandfather, you were my number one fan. I never knew anyone else who believed in me as much as you did. When I called you in high school to bring me lunch on all the days I didn't have any food, you always came. Even if you had an entire day of grocery shopping to do, you always made time to feed me. You wanted to attend all of my events and ceremonies. When report cards came and I didn't have the hottest grades, you always gave me a little bit of cash because you knew that I was trying.
You were the truest example of a man of God. Ever since I was born, I always knew that you were a Christian man. Little did I know that you didn't turn your entire life around until you found out Mom was wanting to give you grandchildren. I've heard so many stories about your past life with your heavy drinking and smoking, being mean and living every day without the Lord. But you wanted to change for your grandchildren and be the best Papa we could ever ask for. You were full of support for your family. You prayed and talked to God every day. You asked for forgiveness. You tended to the needy. You would climb a mountain for your family. You were happy in all that you did. You didn't even remember the man you used to be if it was ever brought up. I know for a fact that God was truly working inside of you to show people the beauty that a life full of Christ entails.
When you got sick, I'm not sure how all of us felt. It was devastating and hard since your sickness spread so fast. We did everything we could to make you happy your last few months with us. I know you didn't fully understand what was happening to you and you wanted so bad to stay here with us, but God needed you to come home. As much as it broke our hearts, we had to let you go.
We think about you every single day. Not a day goes by that we don't wish for you and Meme to be here with us like it used to be. I love you so much, Papa. You will always be in my heart.
Thank you for being the greatest man I have ever known.
