Growing up, my mom's parents lived nine hours away from me. They pastored a church in a small town in West Tennessee called Celina. And over my 18 years of existence, Celina became a part of me.
My granddaddy was a pastor for 60 years. I have never seen someone so dedicated, caring, compassionate, and hilarious. He is a clown. God gave him that ability because He knew everyone needs someone to make them smile, laugh, and feel loved.
Being a pastor's granddaughter makes you feel like a celebrity, sometimes, especially since we lived so far away, our time together was so valuable. There was never a moment where I didn't feel special and loved. Everyone knew who I was and watched me grow into the person I am today. They were always interested in my life and how I was doing. Being a pastor's granddaughter is a special thing.
Every Sunday I was there, after the sermon I would always walk to the back with my Papa Bill. We would open the doors and shake hands as everyone left. I always loved doing this. Mr. Shake would always give me a piece of bubblegum. It was one of my favorite ways to bond with my papa, but I knew one day this would come to an end.
On June 13, 2014, my Papa Bill had a stroke that left him unable to continue doing what he loved to do: preach. I am so thankful he is still here with us, but it has been a major adjustment for all of us. Let me just say, my sweet Pat Pat (that's my grandmother) has never failed to continuously love and take care of him.
I tell myself everyday that I hope I marry a man who looks at me the way he still looks at her.
No, this may not be the way we imagined things, but I am so thankful to have my Papa Bill still here with us. I am so thankful for all those Sundays I sat on that front pew and listened to him preach. I am so thankful for all those Sunday afternoons I visited the nursing home with him. I am so thankful for all those moments he rode me around on the church bus to pick up community members for church. I am thankful for all the little things that I might not have realized at the time would be huge things one day. I am so thankful for Celina Church of Christ for loving my granddaddy and for loving me.
Being the pastor's granddaughter is an incredible thing to be, and I will always be proud to hold that title.
