My Papa

This afternoon, part of me seemed to be emptied.  I got a phone call that my Papa had passed away.  He was 92.

My Nana, Papa's wife, had passed away 5 years ago and he was my remaining link to the fondest memories one could ever have growing up.  Papa had retired the year I was born from air traffic controlling and they moved to Montana from sunny California.  It was a move that I never heard they regretted and I was so glad that they moved there.

I spent almost every summer of my life with Nana and Papa in Montana.  Days after school ended, I was with them until a few days before school started.  As grandparents, they were perfect to me.  No one loved me like they did.  They were stability in a life that was unstable because of divorce. 

They owned a log cabin part of the time they lived in Montana.  It was on five acres near the Swan River.  You had to drive on a dirt road, no faster than 10 miles an hour because dust would fly everywhere if you went any faster.  At the loggy, the wind would howl under the house and Papa would tell me and my sister that an alligator lived under there and was waiting to get us.  It scared the living daylights out of us and Nana would laugh and say "Oh Bernie, quit scaring the girls like that." 

He taught me to drown gophers in a garden.  He taught me to listen to music, though I could never keep time and I don't know how many times he tried to teach me.  He listened to my concerts on Nana's organ - the self-taught songs that I needed to accompany with singing. 

He taught me that pulling a weed without the root is useless.  If you are going to do something, do it right the first time. He taught me that it is good to sit and enjoy the company of those around you after you have worked hard.  He would share a Coors with my Nana in the afternoon about 3pm everyday during the week.  It was his "treat" for the hard work that was done around the house.

He never did let me mow his lawn or drive his car.  He thought I would wreck the driving lawn mower and his car.  Even going up to visit as an adult, he wouldn't let me drive his car - so I always made sure to bring my own! ha ha

Before I was married, I asked him how I would know that the guy would be the right one.  He told me that "I would just know.  That person would be the one that just makes you whole but until that time I would change my mind about a dozen times - because that is the way a woman thinks."  I took that advice as gold.

Yes, my Papa was an incredibly important person in my life.  He and Nana share a place in my heart that will always be a huge part of what has molded and shaped me as a person.  They were there when no one else was and for that I am grateful. 

My love for Montana isn't because it is a beautiful place, it is because that is where my Nana and Papa loved me the most and that makes it one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Papa, you will be missed but I am ever so thankful to Jesus to the memories that He has given me to think about - those are priceless.

A kiss on your forehead, a tight hug around your waist and an "I Love You" forever until we see each other again. 

My heart,

Your Bald Bubble-Blowing Granddaughter

Comments

[Karrie Baker]

We were thinking the same thing. I wonder if we were really meant to be twins? I love you and will see you tomorrow.

Big kisses to Papa and a thousand I love u's!!

[Sharon in NE]

agh! More tears!

[Leslie]

What a nice write-up! I know he will be missed.

[Maritez]

Trina, I am so sorry to hear of this news. I know you loved him dearly. I loved reading your post, it was a great tribute to him and your Nana and the wonderful, heart-filled memories they gave you. Hugs to you, friend.

[Sonya]

((hugs))...

[Jen]

So sorry to read about the loss of your grandpa. This blog was really sweet about him.

[Andrea]

So sorry to read about your loss...but what a gift he gave you with his life!