ironman

I realize my last few post have been more on the serious side.  Please just bare with me, I do have some that aren't so black or white for the near future.

 

But today is a special day!  So even though this blog might bring tears to my eyes- I'm going to try to keep it enjoyable... because that is exactly what he was.

Enjoyable!

 

 

Once in a blue moon you meet someone who changes your life.  Rather it's a friend you met some where, a child you gave birth to, a spouse, or a person you decided to love like family even though there is no blood connecting you. 

I've been blessed with all of the above!  I have a handful of friends that help me survive each day.  I have a child that teaches me daily.  A husband that deals with my mood swings, loves me dearly and forgives.  And I have a granpa who showed me that blood doesn't make you family. 

 

 

Papa Bill was the loudest, most annoying, aggravating man on this earth.  He could literally make me cuss and laugh until I cried within seconds.  He had no clue what gentle meant.  When he hugged you, you would realize that.  He never missed a basketball game or cross-country meet.  He was actually that big guy who ran along the side of the finish line cheering us on!!!  On Christmas Day, you could guarantee there would be a box of chocolate (gag me, terrible, disgusting!!!!) covered cherries in our stocking.  He always thought we loved those things.  I loathe them!!!!!! 

He wasn't perfect.  Actually, he complained all the time.  He was slightly OCD.  If you picked up a picture frame in the house, he was behind you putting it back in its exact spot.  He snored like a grizzly bear.  Lived off of bluebell ice-cream.  WWE or whatever it's called, was something he watched all the time.  He drove my grandmother NUTS!!!!  Heck, he drove us all nuts.  He couldn't wait to embarrass us and waited for the right moment to do exactly that. 

 

Papa Bill was... well there truly aren't words to say what he was.  If you met him, you know what I mean.  Words could never describe that man!  But for those who never got the chance to meet him.. one word sums him up.

He was our IRONMAN!!!!! 

 

You see, Papa Bill, he wasn't our grandpa by blood. 

He chose to be our grandpa.

And because of that- I love him even more!!!!

 

He could have walked away and never looked back.  He could have married my grandmother and never had anything to do with us.  But no.  He loved us.  He cherished us.  We were his pride and joy! 

 

Papa Bill taught me many things in the 21 years I had with him.  He gave me great advice when it was much needed.  But the best advice he never knew he gave me was what true love was. 

 

 

It's been four years since I last saw him.  Four years of celebrating his birthday without him.  Four years of missing my grandpa.  Four years of wishing he could see me and everything I have accomplished, failed at and tried. 

 

If I could have him back for just one day....

I would tell him how much he truly means to me!  I would let him hug me however tight he wanted to without complaining that he was smothering me.  I would tell him why one relationship didn't work out, but that he shouldn't worry because I met the man of my dreams.  I would brag about how my beautiful daughter drives me absolutely crazy most of the time.  Every detail of my wedding would be explained.  I would tell him that most of the time I'm not sure I deserve this life that God has blessed me with and then soak up his words of advice and encouragement.  I would sit and eat a tub of bluebell with him.  Heck, I would even take him to the boats for a an hour or two.  But besides kissing his bald head until he had to leave again.. I would tell him that the love he gave me my entire life was exactly what I needed. 

 

 

I love you Papa Bill.  Not a day goes by that I don't miss you.  I know you are in heaven dancing with Jesus.  (please don't bust out your famous hand moves you did while driving!!!)  What a wonderful birthday you must be having- I'm slightly jealous :)