Papaw

My Papaw was a simple man who wore many hats
He was always up to something
From fixing up his bathroom, to rescuing me from a flat

The ultimate family man
He loved spending time with his wife & children
B-B-Qing, mowing the grass, he was living the master plan

He called Nell "my sweet wife"
He loved that woman more than anything
The last 59 years were the best of his life

His son & daughter were such a blessing to him
Sheila received his gift of music
Rick was his fishing buddy and best friend

Blessed with 2 granddaughters didn't slow him down
Coaching softball & riding motorcycles
Fixing the old homestead up from the ground

Ashton was the first great-granddaughter, the light of his eye
Oh how he loved driving her around on the tractor
Looking for bunny foo-foos low and high

Little Julia came next, she loved her Papaw from day one
He delighted in teaching her nursery rhymes
How he loved to see her running to him before church had begun

His soul has music imprinted upon it
"Rock of Ages" "Mansion on a Hilltop"
If I close my eyes I can see him at the pulpit

For now he is leading the Heavenly Choir up above
Singing "I'll fly away" like he's never sung before
Close your eyes, listen, and feel his love

Dedicated to my Papaw, Don Harris
12-7-31 - 7/7/10

Loss

The memorial service for my Papaw was held Friday 7/17/10, over a hundred people were in attendance. I saw my father cry for the first time. We were watching the slide show of photos go by, I mentioned to my dad that my favorite one of him and Papaw (his dad) was coming up. I looked over at him and he was crying. I apologized and said I didn't think. I've seen these photos before but he hadn't, not all together like that. Not only have I lost my grandpa, my dad has lost his dad. I was talking to Memaw on the phone today and she mentioned that she was going through some cards today. The Father's Day card Daddy gave to Papaw this year, typically he just signed Love Rick. This year he wrote "I love you Daddy". Memaw was crying as she told me this. I know that everyone has to go sometime, but I was thinking today what would I do if I lost my girls. How would I be able to go on if something happened to either one of them. Or them if I died while they were still young. Sadly death has been on my mind a lot these days. After the memorial was over we all went out for ice cream at Braums. I found it a bit ironic because one of (many) the great joys in Papaw's life was taking his sweet wife to Braums and eating a banana split. It was very weird to be there without him. Papaw had such life. He was big, tall, and loud. He had massive hands and a massive voice. He had great love for his family, especially his sweet wife.

I just came from Memaw's house to loan her a pack of toilet paper. She seemed a tiny bit more at peace tonight. It's a roller coaster though. She will be okay one minute and then she will get this look sad look on her face. I know who she's thinking about so I don't say anything. She needs to work through her grief her way. She said today that she didn't accomplish anything, and Sheila didn't make her get up and do anything so she didn't. Haha

I will include my poem now.

Sad

My grandfather passed away unexpectedly on July 7, 2010; he was 78 years old. I know where my Papaw is, I have no doubt of that. The hard part is the ones he left behind. I know this is selfish but what are we supposed to do now? Are we expected to throw a party that he is now at home with Jesus? As Christians we are supposed to be excited about "going home", but what about the people you leave behind? He lived a very long life, and was able to have a good relationship with his children and me his granddaughter, but it's just not fair. On one hand I suppose I should be grateful that he didn't get ill and have to be bedridden, because that's not a good way to live. His passing was just such a surprise that it's got me thinking. Would your family be okay if you passed away tomorrow? Would they know you loved them? My grandfather's passing has made me very aware of how each and every minute of the day is so precious. So my advice to you is to make each day count. Don't use your good china only on 'special occasions', use it every day! Don't only call your family on holidays, call them weekly! See them as often as you can! You never know what tomorrow will bring. I am a Christian and when I die I pray that I will see Jesus and spend eternity with him, I only hope it's a long long time from now. I have too much living to do to go home now. My girls need their mommy. So my friends, Live Well, Love Much, and Laugh Often!