Remembering Papa

Instead of my usual Friday Favorites post, I'm going to a do a post honoring Kevin's grandpa today.  

We called him Papa and since Kevin and I grew up together, he seemed like my Papa, too.  I've been going to his family functions for 20+ years and his family traditions feel like our family traditions.  We got the call on Valentine's Day that Papa had passed away with Nana by his side.  His health had been declining, but the news was still unexpected.

He was 87 and the kindest, nicest, most gentle man you could imagine.

He loved babies, kids and all his grandkids.  He'd talk to the littlest ones first, charmed all the smiles out of the babies and the feeling was mutual - the babies loved him.  He loved good food, family and always seemed happiest when his family was together.  Kevin and Papa are a lot alike.  They're both romantic guys who'd do anything for their girls.

Nana & Papa met on a blind date.  He loved to tell the story that he peeked in the window of the restaurant and saw Nana, his heart when "flutter, flutter, flutter" and it was love at first sight for both of them.  He was in the Navy and would road trip home as much as possible to see her.  He adored Nana.  They were the sweetest duo.  She loved to cook and he loved anything she cooked.  They were just happy being together.  They traveled, gardened, hosted Bible study, had couple friends and were very involved at their church.

A few of my favorite Papa stories...

Anytime you'd call their house he'd answer the phone with a "Hey, there Sugar!" and then both he and Nana would get on the phone at the same time to talk to you.  Birthday phone calls were always a treat for me.  They'd sing you Happy Birthday together and make sure you were having a great day. 

Papa told me when I was a teenager that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach.  He loved my chocolate chip cookies and always made sure to have a few at all of my parties.  

He told Kevin two very important words to keep your wife happy were "Yes, Dear." 

When we got married, Nana and Papa gave us a really nice set of luggage.  We were moving right to Utah and they knew we'd need some good luggage for all the traveling we'd be doing.  They were right.  That luggage has gone all over the country with us.  He was practical and always eager to help.

Nana and Papa always came to the kid's birthday parties since they were tiny.  I'd call to invite them and they'd say, "We wouldn't miss it for the world!" We loved celebrating the kids with them.  He'd help Nana pick out gifts - the perfect kid sized Nerf gun for Fletcher and dolls for Olive.

We got to see Papa at Christmas this past year and I am so thankful for that.  He was not feeling his best, but he was at home surrounded by the people he loved.  Kevin's Aunt Rhonda told me she saw Papa's face light up when Leo looked his way and started babbling.

We are all better for having Papa in our lives.

Let's go on a walk down memory lane: Our wedding 2004

Meeting Olive 2013:

Olive's 1st Birthday:

Olive's 2nd Birthday:

Meeting Fletcher 2016:

Fletcher's 1st Birthday:

Nana & Papa's 60th Wedding anniversary party:

Fletcher's 2nd Birthday Party:

Kevin's Birthday:

Sweet times at Nana & Papa's house:

Kevin's Birthday 2020:

Nana & Papa Meeting Leo:

 

Fletcher's 4th Birthday:

We were happy to be able to go to Papa's funeral last weekend in spite of all the snow and freezing temps we had all week.  Kevin did a reading at the funeral and the service was really nice.  

We are thankful to have so many sweet memories with Papa.

Olive said, "It's hard to smile when you feel sad."  It's true.

Fletcher said one day this week, "Mom, I think Papa just said hi to me FROM HEAVEN!!"  I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked him to explain.  He said, "I just got shocked and it was like SING!  IT seemed like Papa was saying hi to me FROM HEAVEN!  Isn't that crazy, Mom?!?"  

We all get shocked a lot so I think we'll always think of those little shocks as Papa saying hi from heaven.

We took the kids to the visitation and stayed at the funeral as long as we could.  I brought the kids to my parent's house for a little break.  It was a nice distraction :)  My Mom spent the entire day prior making a GIANT meal for the after funeral lunch.  It was so nice of her - they dropped it off at Nana's house and we all enjoyed just showing up for a delicious lunch together.  We headed back to meet up with everyone after they left the cemetery.  I'm glad we brought the kids to say goodbye and be around all the people they love.

  Go hug or call all the people you love this weekend :)