My Grandparents-What a great looking couple
visiting my grandparents soon after Jaxon was born
Thankfully we were able to visit with my Papa (mom's dad) the week after Easter. He was diagnosed with a rare form of skin cancer and it took his life really quickly. He passed away on April 14.
Growing up we didn't live close by so we didn't get to visit very often, maybe for Christmas and during the summer. I wish that I would have made more of an effort after I moved out and went to college. Its made me more aware how much family is important and how I want Jaxon to grow up around his grandparents. My grandmother (dad's mother) died soon after I was born, but other than that our family has never really had to deal with death of a close relative. So when my Papa got sick it was really hard to process it all. It still seems surreal. I'm sure things will be different around the holidays.
The last time we visited with Papa when he was sick
He always gives you a good laugh- always has a good joke
What I remember about my Papa:
He loves his garden- He and my grandma loved their roses and enjoyed giving them away to people
Played the guitar
Said he was allergic to water- so he would say he didn't need a bath but once a week and didn't want to go to water aerobics with my grandma
Big family- 5 brothers & 5 sisters- (2 brothers died in the war & a brother died in a fire accident)
Grew up on a farm
Would have big family reunions on the farm where he grew up
Knew how to take care of his family
Loved God and loved to serve others-in the retirement/assisted living community where they lived
Everybody knew my Papa
Devoted to and Loved my grandmother
Had 4 grandkids and 4 great grandkids
My papa and grandmother couldn't make it to our wedding, so they were able to watch it on skype
Knew how to use the computer-loved to play solitare, email, and skype
You would always find in dress pants, button up shirt and dress shoes- even in the summer or while working outside in the yard- dont' know if he ever owned jeans
He loved to sing
He lived a long life and was ready to be with Jesus
So thankful that Jaxon was able to meet Papa. Papa will be dearly missed. At his funeral it was a true celebration of his life. It was like a big family reunion. He would have loved that. Our family seems to have reunions at weddings and funerals. It was so good to see everybody.
the great grandkids enjoying my Papa's golf cart
the three sisters
My Papa's sisters and brother and their spouses
My Grandmother is doing really well- She stays involved where she lives with her garden club, hanging out with friends, her singing group where they live, church, and water aerobics. She has lots of friends and family that are taking care of her.
Thank you friends and family for your support and prayers during this time.
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