Thursday, July 16, 2009
Writer's Workshop: I called him Pappy
I have many fond memories of my Pappy. I am the second to oldest grandchild on my dad's side so he was around for all of the BIG stuff for me. I feel blessed to have had in my life for as long as I did.
Here he sits with me and my newborn daughter (who is already 10 1/2 years old) in my first apartment in Ohio. Hubby and I lived there until oldest was 15 months.
I look so young in this photo. It makes me feel very nostalgic.
Throughout my childhood we camped in numerous cabins with my grandparents. Pappy snored so loud I often wondered how he didn't wake himself.
We played cards and talked well into the night. After all, this was long before cell phones and hand held gaming devices.
Pappy always woke up around 6 a.m. to get the coffee going and at camp this meant putting the percolator on the stove.
I can't even venture to guess how many times I woke to that sound as a child.
One time I remember covering my head and scootin' down in my sleeping bag to try and ignore it only to have Pappy try to fold up my cot.
He thought I'd went on an early morning hike with my dad or down to the pond to fish.
The last time I saw my pappy was in Ocean City, MD at my sister's wedding in August of 2001. Though he was frail and half the man he used to be from the cancer that ravaged his body, he didn't want to miss out on any of the BIG things.
Three months later he was gone.
I wish I could have lunch with him just one more time. I wish he could know my children the way that I knew him.
As my dear, sweet grandma nears the end of her life I hope Pappy is percolating some coffee in heaven and waiting for her.
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things. ~ Antonio Smith
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About Me
- kisatrtle
- I'm a 41 year old (gasp) freelance writer, school cafeteria manager, wife and mother. I have three children and one anxious and overweight beagle. I use my blog to make others laugh, to share some cool crafts, to document my lunchlady adventures and to lament about the challenges faced by us all on the journey called life. Thanks for visiting. Please leave some crack...um...I meant some comments.
4 random thoughts:
Beautiful thoughts. It's very nice to see the important, loving role that your Pappy played in your life. I send my prayers for your grandma too. I can see your daughter's face in that first time mom picture of you!
You have some incredible memories, Wen. I did not get to spend a lot of time with my grandparents. I only have one that is still living and he is a step-grand-dad. I have not seen him in years. What a blessing to have him and your grandma around so much while you were growing up.
Beautiful post. And I love the photos -- always adds so much to a post like this.
That is a beautiful post. Such special memories you have with him. I especially liked the one of him snoring- very cute! Thanks for sharing such a special man with us