Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Happy Birthday Papa

It's been 12 years since my grandfather passed away.  I think he would be 92 today if he was still alive.  But he's still alive in my brain, or his spirit is still with me.  Papa battled prostrate cancer for many years.  It's still hard for me to get past those last years.  I remember kneeling by his bed, and singing old hymns to him with the old tape recorder.  Many tears came out like a flood while I was there.  The finality of a life came too me on my last visit, and it was so overwhelming.  I think I had hoped for a miracle.  He was so strong to me, even laying in that bed, all I could see was Papa, my strong Papa.  There was even moments when he thought he was still strong Papa, for a moment once, he tried to get out of the bed and  get me to go for a ride.  I so wanted to take him on that ride, but no one would have it.  He joked when Mema and Tamara were in the other room, that I could sneak him out the back door.  I just laughed, and cried all in the same breath.  Even writing this now, I get kind of overwhelmed.  I think of that verse "Jesus wept".  He cried because he knew the reality of Heaven.  I think my tears were mainly selfish tears, because I didn't want to let him go.  But now I can cry because I know He's waiting for us, but I do still miss him.  He loved all of us so much.  I still see his big hands,  I can still see his eyes, when he was looking at me.  I can see him smiling.   I can see me and Sherry hiding, waiting for him to come in from work, to scare him, every time he played along and acted scared.   Happy birthday Papa!   We all love you! 

 

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

He is probably laughing and  enjoying heaven with my grandpa who's been gone 13 years now.
~Julie

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Papa. Beautiful.

Ari

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss.  You will meet again I am certain.
wonderful picture.

Anonymous said...

(((())))) so sorry.  I can see where you get your good looks from :).
Betty

Anonymous said...

Through your journal I know you have a very close happy family; what lovely memories you must have of your dear Dad when you were very young. Big ((Hug)) to you today!

Tilly x

Anonymous said...

What a touching story!  Thanks for sharing that.  I don't have a very close relationship with my father.  Be blessed that you did.  

Anonymous said...

blessings to you Derek. judi

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Papa!!!!!
I can feel your pain Derek...I miss my grandma dearly..she has been gone 6yrs now...but we shall see them again someday ~ they are our guardian angels...always watching over us .....Hugss  ~Terri~

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your grandfather and to beautiful memories. It will be eleven years on the 27th that my father passed away and then his birthday on Halloween...Sending you peaceful thoughts...Hang on to those memories, thank you for sharing them with us!
Peace
Jodi

Anonymous said...

    I love the photgraphs you have here.  He sounds like a very special kind of guy.  Lucky you, to have had him in your life.... and lucky him, too,  to have had you in his !  Tina    http://journals.aol.com/onemoretina/Ridealongwithme