Remembering Papaw...

Today is the one year anniversary since my Papaw Jack passed away. It is really hard to believe! His death was one of the hardest things (emotionally) that I have ever been through! I have always respected him, just as being my grandfather, but in his death I realized how many other areas of my life that he had influenced and I respected him for. I know that he was a great father, his four children and wife can attest to that. But being a grandfather, he was the "awesomest" . I was telling someone the other day, about every softball game that he came to of mine, was the greatest. I wanted to do so much better because he was there. He had played softball for years, and that was a good connection that I had with him. Papaw and Granny have nine grandchildren spread out from me, 33 (the oldest) to Luke, 11 or 12 (the youngest). I always thought that I had it the best because Papaw and Granny were in their early 40's when I was born and I had them all to my self until I was 5!! But then I look at the younger cousins, and realize that when they went to granny and Papaw's to spend the night over the summer, Papaw did not have to go to work the next day. I got to spend time with him in his youth, and they got to spend time with him in his retirement! We all got to have wonderful realationships individually with both of them. Papaw was a devout Christian, and that I also respect him for. He was very active in his church and there are all kinds of things that remind me of him, there when I visit with Granny. He was one of the charter members (I believe). Even as the membership there started dwendling, he continued to love and charish it as his home.

I think the hardes thing about Papaw's death, was that two days before, I had stayed with him in the hospital, and he seemed to be doing a little better. I guess I was in denial, but I just thought that it would be just one more time that he would fight and get better and go home... possibly more frail and maybe in a wheelchair, but I had it in my head that he would get better... Wishful Thinking.

Also, another thought on him, was his relationship with Alex!! I think he was just as excited about her birth as my mom and dad. He was in the waiting room the whole time I was in labor and delivery and was there when they brought her out to show everyone. He couldnt stand to stay at home after we came home. When she was two weeks old, I still could not drive, but he was dying to see her, so he drove over by himself (Granny was sick so she did not want to bring germs over) and visited and held her and took us to lunch at Applebees (He loved the ribs there). Then every chance he had he would come to see her or we would go see them. He made his way over on her first Birthday (granny was not feeling well again) and he was the one that showed her what she was supposed to do with the cake. He took her little hand and mashed it into her cake and had her taste it... that was all she needed to get going in her messiness and cake eating. As he got more frail over the next couple of years, he still would muster up some energy to play with Alex while we visited. He would get down in the floor with her and play ball or something with her. And in the hospital those last couple of weeks and days, if she came in the room to visit, his demeanor would change immediately... and if she wasnt with me, he always was asking about her! He loved her! as he did all of us!! That is one thing I never ever doubted... his UNCONDITIONAL love... and even as our family elements changed over the las several years... I never heard him say a cross word... only concern and love for those whom had distanced themselves. As all of these changes occured, that was my concern... that he would pass away with turmoil going on in a family that had been so close for so many years. But, in his death I learned alot about him and the situations... and I realize that he was at peace with it all and loved everyone no matter what... I guess I should learn something from that!

I MISS YOU PAPAW!!!

Spring Training

Yesterday was Jordan's spring jamboree in Oxford. All in all they all did prett well. But guess what?!! I got about half way there (an hour away) and realized that my camera was not in my car... and I did not think about bringing the video camera. (that is usually jody's job... I take pictures) Jody had guard so it was just alex and i going. Well the JV played the first half and I watched so intently for Jordan and never saw him play. (i did not know that it was the JV... Ugh!) so the second half was the varsity, and so I tried to watch so intently again... and I never saw him go in... this is all I saw... (he's number 73... I used my cell phone)

Turns out he did play one or two plays... I just missed them! I dont know how. I guess he just did such an awesome job that they were really quick plays! turns out, I dont know a whole lot about spring jamborees... they dont keep anybody in real long... some more than others!

Takin Care of Business

Jordan's new job is Security. He quit Kmart a couple of weeks ago, to spend some more time with his friends before he left to go to his moms. Then one of his friends' mom asked him to do security for her company at the Crawfish Boil. So, I guess he has a new job. He was really pumped up after last weekend's job, because as he put it, he got to be Fergie's bodyguard. Apparently, her one bodyguard was not enough and they needed more security guys to help with crowd control. Anyway he seems to really be enjoying busting up fights and confiscating paraphernalia. This past weekend, he worked a Country Music Festival, which he said was not near as exciting... as far as breaking up fights go (I think that is his favorite part). But, it seems he will also have this job when he returns from his moms this summer. I think he will be able to work around his football schedule as well. And guess what? before he snuck off for the country gig, I shot a couple of pictures of him in his security event uniform. He went from red and black Kmart, to red and black security.

Dancin' in the Streets

We love Homewood Day was supposed to be all day last Saturday but the rain prevented all the park activities. Jordan was working at his new job (I will post about that later), Alex was at Mimi's, so Jody and I got a romantic breakfast at "the Wayffle". But the weather cleared up for a gorgeous afternoon and evening. So, the parade and the street dance were lots of fun. There were games and rides for the kids, since they did not get to do all the activities in the park. I should mention that Alex dressed herself for the occasion... she was so excited about the "dance party".
Not sure what this dance is?!?!?!
This little girl is a friend that Alex has met at school and she will be going to kindergarten with her in the fall.

Day Two: Homestead Hollow
We did not buy anything but dinner for dad and Jody, and Alex this ride. It was still a lot of fun, I love going and just checking the crafts.

Fifty by Bike

So, I mentioned in the previous post about some interesting guest that we were going to have. and they were! Laura and Aaron came to stay with us, and take a shower while riding their tandem bike through the center of all fifty states. They came to us through http://www.warmshowers.org/ I know it sounds like it might be a porn site or something... but it is actually a really good idea for touring cyclist. I know that jody will use it the next time he tours. Anyway this is the link to their site... they had a lot of stories that were very interesting and we loved talking and visiting with them. It was sort of inspiring to see them give up all wordly possessions for two years and live life, taking in everything as they travel together.