We'll see you soon then...

It was just past 6:30 in the morning when I heard the phone ring. I remember opening my eyes and already knowing what the call was about. I heard my Daddy say, "Momma, are you sure? Okay... I'll be over in a bit." I picked up the phone and called my sister & brother while my Mom called my oldest sister. On July 28, 2011 my sweet Papaw had gone to meet Jesus. It is so hard to let a loved one go, but I have found peace in knowing where my Papaw is. Oh... the smile it brings to my face to imagine him walking with his mother, father, brother-in-law, and his sweet Sis. When I think of my Papaw's passing... I think of a message that I once heard about how older people truly believe in the "Amazing Grace..." about how our grandparents and the ones before them talked about the beauty of Heaven in a way that doesn't even compare to our generation. It is very true... I can remember my Papaw singing sweet hymns and believing every word to the core. He was a true man of God, and I will remember that most importantly.

He was a loving husband, a caring father, a precious grandfather, and a gentle great-grandfather to three! I will remember his smile above all... even typing this now I can hear his laughter. I can see him walking in his garden, holding me behind the wheel of his red pontoon boat as a child, and I can still hear him yelling, "Get up-Breakfast is ready!" And in the recent years... I can still feel his warmth while I sit beside him on the chair of his recliner holding his hand. I can hear him say, "I love you too" as I lean down to kiss his cheek. I have been blessed to have spent 24 years with this amazing man. I will always remember his grace. He has taught me to believe in the powerful hand of God. He has left one amazing legacy, and the dash between 1921 - 2011 does not give enough justice.

I have so many stories of my Papaw, but there is one that I would like to share... a story that brings me great comfort. Nearly two years ago I drove my Papaw to the hospital to say, "Goodbye" to his brother-in-law, my great uncle Gettys. I can still remember Papaw's exact words as tears ran down his face. He told Uncle Gettys that he was the only brother he'd ever had, and he loved him so much. He held his hand... they smiled at each other... then Papaw said, "I'll see you soon then..." I remember the tears that filled my eyes as I walked with him out of that hospital. I knew then that my Papaw was ready. I believe there comes a time in your life when the ones you love most are gone... and then you just know it is time to follow. I know that one day when it comes my time to follow that I will be ready, and I have an amazing man of God to thank for that... a man who worked hard to build this family, a man who will always remain in my heart, and a man who I long to see again.... my Papaw.

I am at peace because my Papaw is at peace. There is no more suffering and no more pain. We will not say, "Goodbye" but just as Papaw said to my Uncle Gettys... we simply say, "We'll see you soon then..."

Papaw & Daddy

Cole, Papaw & Addy

Cole & Papaw

Lucy & Papaw

Papaw :)

Love him :)