May 15, 1923 - April 14, 2011
Granddaddy,
It’s been almost 3 months since you left us to go dance with Jesus, and I miss you like crazy. I think the hardest thing so far, was sitting in mom and dad’s kitchen with all of us sitting there talking, Granny in one rocking chair and you missing from the other. You’ve been there my whole life, and it was just not the same without you there.
It seems these days that my strongest memories are ones that include you. Summer days spent down on the Cowpasture River floating, swimming, eating corn on the cob, and other good summer foods. You sitting on the front porch with your “toddy” listening to NPR, reading the newspaper and talking with Uncle Howard while Granny and Aunt Barbara were in the kitchen cooking dinner. Then eating dinner on the red and white checkered table cloth. I remember you helping me find my river shoes from the mound of shoes on the porch. Usually a pair of Keds and usually at the bottle of the stack.
I can remember on days when I was sick and would stay with Granny while Mom was at work (when you were still substituting on the Judge’s bench in Fincastle), you would come home for lunch and bring me a toy, puzzle or coloring book from the drugstore to make me feel better. It always worked. Granny would make us lunch and we would sit in the den, the three of us, and watch the news. Then when theYoung and the Restless came on, I would get restless and would go to the other room and watch cartoons.
There are lots of memories to tide me over until I can see you again in Heaven. I am still going to miss you every day, and am still going to have days when the tears will flow, but knowing that you are whole again and in the presence of our Lord, gives me joy. Don’t worry about Granny, Mom, Dad, Ginni Ellen and Chad are taking good care of her and she is in my thoughts and prayers from here.
I am inspired by you and how well you planned for this day. Your wedding vows should’ve included, “I will love you and take care of you until we meet again in Heaven” because you are still taking care of her. You loved her so well on earth, she is still feeling your love today. You are also still providing for her. Dave and I are taking our cues from you now to plan for our future and live each day to the fullest. I will always try to make you proud.
I love you and will see you.....
