Thursday, December 9, 2010

Saying Goodbye


Saying goodbye is never easy. No one said it was and I never expected it to be. But regardless, when the time comes to actually do it, it is always such a battle and such a surprise that it truly is that hard. The pain of losing someone you love is by far the worst pain I have yet to experience and saying goodbye to Papaw, was no exception.

Saturday, December 4th, we lost Papaw after his courageous battle with cancer. Typing that, here in this blog, is just as hard as saying it out loud. I can't seem to find the words to describe what Papaw meant to us and what he meant to Mallory. It wasn't something that could be told, only really seen. The expression of excitement and joy that lit up in Mallory's eyes when she saw him always made us smile. His friendly face that constantly had a smile, warmed a room and attracted his Grandchildren like a moth to a flame. They adored him. Both Ivan and Mallory would race to him the moment they saw him and leap into his arms. He would hold them close and ultimately make them giggle and cause them to just come back for more.

He had an amazing heart that made itself very known through difficult times. Over the past several years, the family has been faced with some very difficult situations and Papaw always stepped up to the plate and offered the kind of support that could move mountains. He fought so hard for everyone he loved and for that, I admire him. Through out the entire time I have known him, he has always been such a kind heart and was always thinking about others and taking care of others. When the time came to take care of him, we all tried to help in any way we could.

He fought. And fought. And fought. But suddenly, he couldn't fight anymore and it was time to say our goodbyes. I am so thankful that Marc and I had the opportunity to sit with him in his hospital room and tell him how much we loved him and how much we admired him and how much we cared. We also told him how much Mallory loves him and how he was such an amazing and dominate part of her life.

To you Papaw, we promise that we will keep pictures around and talk about you often. Although Mallory is only one, we will continue to remind her of her amazing Papaw and the unconditional love you had for her. We will tell tales of your triumphant strength and everlasting memory. And we will make sure that she knows you are happy and in a better place with no suffering or pain. We will keep you alive in our hearts.




1 comment:

Janice said...

Lots of prayers for your family, Kristen. I'm sure this is terribly difficult.