Rest In Peace Papa

It’s hard to find the words to express what an amazing grandfather Papa was and how much he meant to me. The best I can do is to say that I want to be like him if I’m ever blessed to be a grandfather.

Papa invested so much time into his grandkids. He made 1 on 1 time for each of us, taking us out for dinner and fun activities like the driving range. He and Nana spent countless hours supporting me at soccer games, tennis matches, and Boy Scout courts of honor. He would make up bedtime stories and watch morning cartoons with us when we’d spend the night at their home. I’ll never forget how whenever we drove away he would stand outside on the porch or driveway and wave goodbye until we were out of sight.

Papa’s love for his grandkids was a reflection of his love for people, and his love for people was a reflection of his love for God. During my teen years I remember being caught off guard by how often Papa would turn our normal conversation towards the Lord, praising God for the everyday blessings he saw in our lives. I pray that God would grow in me a heart of gratitude just like Papa’s.

Papa was full of contagious joy. He loved to laugh and would often remind us that God has a sense of humor. I remember once the two of us went out for a sandwich and we laughed about something so hard it took us several minutes to stop. I don’t remember what initiated the laughter, but I’ll always cherish that memory and others like it. I pray that God would grow in me a heart of joy just like Papa’s.

Papa loved his family so well. After Gracie and I got married he frequently told me how he and I were both married to such special ladies, a point on which he couldn’t have been more right. He loved to remind me (while trying and failing to hold back a grin) of the two most important words for any new husband: “yes dear”. His love of babies was well known and I’m so grateful he got to meet our daughter. It was such a blessing seeing the joy she brought him when the dementia made it difficult to find ways to connect.

I love you Papa, and I look forward to the day when we can laugh and praise God together again.