Goodbye Papa

Oh my Papa. What a wonderful man. I can't even begin to describe what type of man he was. Loving, caring, faithful....you name it, he lived it. He was witty and ornery. He served his country faithfully for 20+ yrs and loved his wife for 63 years. In a world where 50% of married couples get divorced, to see two people married for so long and still so in love...is absolutely amazing. He loved his family...loved for us all to be together. He loved God with all his heart and was a devot Christian. He taught us all to follow in the ways of God and to believe and trust in Him for he knows what is best for us.

Papa, I know you are in a better place now. And I know you won't be reading this, but I wanted to tell you that I love you and I will miss you. You were/are a beacon of light to this family. We are better people because we were blessed to not only know you, but be related to you. You touched so many lives and showed so many people the grace of God. Through actions and words, you knew that God could and would work through you if you let Him. Your power of actions and words will live throughout the years....even now that you are gone.

Your family loves you and will miss you terribly. Don't worry about us or about Nana. We will be strong for you...it is what you would have wanted. We will carry you in our thoughts and prayers and lives daily, dear Papa. We will grieve and we will cry...but we know that where you are is the place we will all meet again one day. Until that time, Papa, we will take comfort in knowing that you will always be in our hearts and will be looking out for us from above.

Never have I met a man of your callibur. You are more special that words can give you credit for. I could never begin to express the difference you have made not only in my life but the life of hundreds of other people as well. Thank you for being just a great, great man. You will never know the impact you have made.

I still feel your love all around and I will never lose that. I will always remember your whistles and yoddles, your laugh and that sparkle in your beautiful blue eyes. The hugs that were so warm and the excitement you showed when we were all together. The way you always hugged me and said "I love you babe. I am so glad you are here." Not just words, but true meaning. You never said anything that didn't come from your heart.

Thank you for showing me love. Thanks for showing me Jesus through you. Thanks for showing me what a marriage can be after 63 years. Thank you for giving me my family. But most of all...thanks for being my Papa. I love you with all my heart and will miss you like crazy and will never forget you.

With love I say.....Goodbye, dear Papa.