As most of my blog followers know, my Papa passed away on Friday, May 6th. His service was yesterday and it was beautiful. I had the honor of speaking at his service and according to my cousins, I sent many people into the ugly cry. Although speaking was hard and unbelievably emotional I feel like it was the perfect way for me to say goodbye to my grandfather. My family is going to have to find a new normal without Papa but for now, I have posted the pictures I have of Emmett and Papa and my words about Papa follow.
Papa Bob played such a central role in the lives of his family. He was a husband and father but for me and his 10 other grandchildren he was our Papa; not our grandpa or grandfather but our Papa. He was a constant in our lives. We knew we could depend on him for a hug to say hello, a hug to say goodbye and loving papa in the middle. Papa was not only our grandfather but he was our teacher, playmate and friend.
I don’t know if papa realized how much he taught his grandchildren about love and relationships. He taught his granddaughters how a man should treat us through being a kind, loving and affectionate husband to our grandma. One of my favorite memories is watching my grandparents, after 58 years of marriage, hold hands while they walk. We knew how much he loved her and I would dream of finding a man that adored me like Papa adored grandma. Papa also taught his grandsons how to be men and husbands. There was no question of whether or not Papa cared for and respected his family and his love never wavered. His grandsons watched him closely and whether they know it or not, they are better men because of their Papa.
Papa was a playmate to all of us through the years. As kids, we knew Papa was always up for fun: Whether it was playing at the lake property, in the playroom at the house, or with Jonny, outside on the scooter. As adults, Papa continued to play with his grandkids through general teasing, laughter, drinking beer, and playing cribbage and backgammon. Papa loved to play and continues to make us smile and laugh today.
In addition to being our teacher and playmate, Papa was our friend. We knew he was there to listen to us no matter what. He would listen to his grandkids talk about anything: school, friends, sports, work, relationships, pregnancies or just general small talk. He never interrupted and, although I am sure he had moments of disinterest (because how interested could he possibly be in the ramblings of teenage girls) he never showed a glimmer of not loving everything that came out of our mouths.
As much as Papa loved his grandkids, we all know that he loved his great grandkids even more. Grandma told me once that she had kids so she could have grandkids and I am pretty sure Papa had kids so his grandkids could give him great grandkids. Jonathon was so blessed to have shared 9 years with his Papa Bob and his memories of going to the ocean, sleepovers and movies are something he will carry with him forever. It saddens me to know that Emmett will not have memories of his Papa, but I know that Emmett will always feel and know how much his Papa Bob loved him. I cherish the pictures I have of the two of them together. It is heart breaking to know that Papa will not get to spend time with his future great grandkids but I know, without a doubt in my mind, that he will be watching over and protecting each and every one of them.
Saying goodbye to a man that has been so prominent in my life is not easy. It is hard to imagine Christmas without Papa and his pocket knife to help us open those tricky gifts and Thanksgiving will not be the same without Papa in the kitchen carving the turkey. I cannot even begin to imagine how hard it will be to celebrate his future birthdays but I know two things for sure, his family will never forget the joy and love he gave to his family and I will never eat a piece of dark chocolate without thinking of my Papa.
The last week has been hard but Papa would be proud of how his family has come together to support one another. His grandkids have shared memories, laughed together, cried together and will continue to look to one another for love and support. I think Kelsey summed it up perfectly in a recent Facebook post, so on behalf of all of the grandkids and great grandkids I want to thank you all for being here and, Papa, “We already miss your smell of old spice, fashionable flannels, over sized belt buckles, games of cribbage, witty comments about grandma, copious keystone lights, and gentle hugs.” You will be in our hearts forever.
