Tribute to my Papa

I have been so blessed in my life with amazing grandparents.  They loved me unconditionally and shared so many of life's learning experiences with me.  Last night my Papa died.  He was not in pain and passed peacefully with his children and wife at his side.  This morning I have been thinking about all of the wonderful times with my Papa, and how I am a better person because of him. 

This was one of my last pictures of him ... still smiling despite intense pain.  He called me on my birthday and sang Happy Birthday to me despite his morphine haze.  It was special ... he was special. 

He never tired of us when we were younger.  He would play with us for hours.  He took us to the park down the street from their house and played with us on all of the playground equipment.  I remember going to Dairy Mart where he always let us get the double ice cream cone. 

Papa & Gran owned a dime store, and some of the most special times were moments with him there.  It was so magical to get to go into the back storage room and up the stairs to his office that overlooked the store.  He would let us get some candy from the glass candy counter and warm nuts from the spinning tray.  On Sundays, he would take us to the store when it was closed and let us "shop" for special goodies like a pink birthstone ring, new knee socks, candy and toys.  I got to operate the bow-making machine and wrap gifts during the holiday season.  I worked there when I was in high school, and it was so special to share that experience with him.

He was a marvelous and patient teacher.  He taught me how to play pool, ping-pong, checkers, Chinese checkers, dominoes, card games, foosball, and golf.  He taught us how to look ahead when we played and to understand the ultimate consequences of our moves and shots.  I was always amazed how he knew every single domino still in play that would result in a score.  He was with me when I played my first round of golf.  I am so grateful for all of the time I got to share with him.

This morning I thought about my grandparents while I made this sympathy card for my Gran (inspired by TexasGrammy's Sympathy in Blush). He will be missed.

Ingredients: Stamps: Cornish Heritage Farms Victorian Sunflowers Backgrounder, Impression Obsession, Sympathy Sentiments; Paper: Handsome Hunter, Light Blue and Ivory Cardstock; Ink: ColorBox Chalk Warm Green & French Blue; Accessories: Paper Source Deep Pool ribbon.   

Comments

[texasjodylynn]

I am so sorry for your loss Stephanie! It sounds like he truly was a remarkable man and I am SO happy for you that you have those memories to carry around with you. HUGS!

[Deb]

So sorry to hear your sad news. What a very special person he was. He and your Gran look lovely in the photograph of them together, very happy! You made a wonderful card for your Gran, I am sure she feels very lucky to have such a caring Granddaughter.

[Lisa642]

So sorry to read about your loss, what a beautiful tribute you've given him here. Take care.

[Diane Lapointe]

Oh I am so sorry for your loss,my Deepest Sympathys to you and your family. He was one amazing man!!!

[Susie Blackwell]

I feel your grief its been 20 years since my Grandad passed on and I still miss him everyday ..........our memories are a blessing! He was a truely wonderful man!

[broni]

Stef, I am so sorry for the loss of your Papa, but don't you just have the most marvelous memories!!?? He sounds a lot like my dad who always had time to play with and teach all of his grandchildren. I hope you will always be comforted in the fact that you were able to spend so much quality time with him.

[lauren]

oh stephanie, i am so very sorry to hear of your loss! ...BUT...i am happy for you and your family to have had such a lovely papa for so many years! (and certainly i would not wish him back to the awful pain he was in!)

plus, i cannot help but think that it is impossible for anyone who lives so vividly in another's heart & memory as your papa does in yours to be considered truly *GONE*. you have written a lovely, beautiful tribute to a wonderful man.

i wish love & peace & comfort to you and your family!

[Randy Jones]

Stephanie,

Thanks for your kind comments about Papa. I miss him a lot already, and not sure those feelings will go away anytime soon. This is the time of year he and I spent lots of time on the golf course. Not too hot, not too cold.

I loved the candy case also! Back when peanut butter cups were bigger and only a nickel! Just about the time you were born.

Please know you were very special to him, and thanks for the card to mom. You're the best at that!

Love, Randy

[Gran]

Thanks to you, Stephanie, for all of your thoughts. prayers, and especially the beautiful cards that you make and send to make my days brighter. I wish I could take credit for passing on some of the genes that helped you to have that special talent!
You were our first grandchild, and have always held a special place in our hearts. Papa would join me in saying thank you.
My love, Gran