Wednesday, June 1, 2011

My Papaw

My amazing Papaw, Truman, went to be with the Lord last night. I don't understand the Lord's purpose in taking him home just one week before we could have seen him again, but I trust the Father's goodness in every situation. I grieve for the fact that I can't be with my mom and the rest of my family right now, but I rejoice in the long, great life that Papaw was blessed with and the hope of seeing him again one day in glory. He lived 97 years in amazing health and surrounded by his 10 children, 20 grandchildren, and an ever-growing number of great-grandchildren (I think at last count there were more than 40).

I just wanted to share a few pictures with you, if that's okay.

Papaw, with those precious blonde ringlets, and his brother, Jim.


Papaw, Mamaw, and their first three kids, Betty, Ray, and Shirley. I love how handsome Papaw is, and I think it's funny how tired Mamaw looks. I can tell, though, that she was really pretty.



Papaw and Mamaw. I'm not exactly sure when this was taken... I'm guessing in the 70's or so. I love it. Doesn't he look like such a cool dude?

Jumping ahead a few decades, I think this was my 8th birthday. Of course Papaw was right in the middle of all of our craziness. He loved us all so much.


A hug for Papaw at our wedding. So glad he could be there.


Telling stories about his childhood and early days as an electrician. He loved telling stories and I loved listening to them.




Blowing out the candle on his 95th birthday cake.


The first time he met Jude. They loved each other. We took Jude to see him as often as we could.





Senior Prom king at the Assisted Living with his girlfriend, Kat.


Papaw and four of his nine daughters at an extended family reunion with his brother Jim's descendants in 2009.




Papaw and Jude just before we left for Moldova for the first time in September 2009. I love, love, love this picture.


February 22, 2010. The last time we saw Papaw. We stopped to spend some time with him on our way out of town as we were leaving Marion for the last time.






 

I'm too choked up to say much else...


5 comments:

  1. Im so sorry Leigh! We will be praying for you and your family. It is hard losing a grandparent, I immediately thought of Danda when I read your post. I remember always getting to see your papaw when I went to visit Danda at the assisted living place. I know you will miss him but God allowed him to live a long life and I know you have sooo many wonderful memories of him. Love you!

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  2. Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a wonderful gift to know that we will one day see our loved ones again who know Christ.

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  3. Stacey,
    Your very right...your Papaw looked like one cool dude!! My heart goes out to you and your family. You have some very wonderful photos and I am sure many MANY more memories! I don't think I have anything to make you feel better but I want you to know that my family is sending good thoughts your way.

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  4. Those are wonderful pictures! It sounds like you have some very special memories. <3

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss. The pictures of your Pawpaw had me all choked up. He looks like such a wonderful man! I'm sure you have so many beautiful memories of him. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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