There Once Was A Man

There once was a man born on June 4, 1926 and was the second youngest in this family.
And married his sweetheart after dating six weeks and was married to for 61 years.

There once was a man who was a Army Veteran who proudly served in World War 2 recovering things from Hitler's hideout.

Hot Springs, Arkansas 1945

There once was a man who was the father of Richard, Linda, Pam and Albert.
And a pet or two.
And grandpa to Lee, Scot, Michael, Melissa, Brian, Mandy, Christi, Alvin, Maddie and Morgan.
And great-grandpa to Christopher, Jacob, Sam, Ansley, Parker, Joseph, Jacob, Sara, Claire and Allie (and after his death, Luke, Olivia, Rylan, Eliza, Mason, Ava, Addison and Anna Kate).

There once was a man who not only was an insurance man but a Southern Baptist Minister.

There once was a man who loved his family with all his heart.
Who took his grandkids fishing.
And to auctions.
And hunting.
And the lake.
And to church.

There once was a man who like to sing "Pretty Good".

There once was a man who suffered from Parkinson's Disease for over 20 years.
And refused to let it consume him.

There once was a man who loved the Lord with all his heart and opened his eyes to Heaven on May 5, 2005.

My grandpa was a remarkable man who I dearly loved and cherished.  I miss him everyday.  I still haven't gotten over his death.  I know without a doubt I will see him again one day.  Every time I hear an old hymn at church, I have to choke back tears.  The memories of spending weeks of the summer with him and my grandma (who celebrated her 88th birthday yesterday!) will stay with me forever - going to church, walking around the Mingo Wildlife reserve, eating at Taco Bell (LOL - inside joke), dinners at Hickory Log and so forth.

My grandparents and I on my wedding day, May 18, 2002

On our annual visit grandpa's grave - July 2010

Most people are celebrating Cinco de Mayo today, but for me, today I am wishing my grandpa a happy 6th Heaven birthday.

p.s.  Mom, I know you are reading this and I'm sorry for making you cry - I know you are :)