Friday, October 2, 2009

A Real American Hero

Last night, my family and this country lost a true American hero. My sweet Papa passed away on October 1, one week after his 88th birthday. Papa, a WWII veteran, was in Normandy on D-Day. He loved any documentary featuring WWII, and whenever I watched them with him, they never seemed quite as boring as when I tuned in alone. A quiet, gentle giant, Papa was a widely respected and truly and greatly admirable man. In fact, when my mom and her sisters lost their own parents as teenagers, Papa and his wife Mimi automatically assumed the role of surrogate mom and dad. Mimi and Papa have always been my grandparents in every single way, if not by blood. Their daughters are my aunts, and their grandchildren are my cousins. Period. And the love between our families is even deeper and richer, because the love and devotion we feel has stemmed from choice and not solely obligation, as is the case with many families today. I know that upon his death, Papa entered the arms of God hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We will be traveling to Louisiana in the coming days to say our final goodbyes to our Papa.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great man.

The Pink Chick said...

Oh honey I am so so sorry for your loss! He does indeed sound like an incredible man! I know he is smiling down on you from heaven! You are your family are in my thoughts and prayers!

Anonymous said...

aww I'm so sorry I'll keep you and your family in my prayers!

Summer Athena said...

i am so sorry, honey. my thoughts are with you.

Mrs. G said...

I am so sorry for your loss, you and yours are in my prayers.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Lexilooo said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Both my grandfathers were WWII vets, one being at the Battle of the Bulge. One passed away a few years ago, and it still feels like yesterday some days.

Lindsey said...

Oh friend, I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you!!

Life of a Savannah Wife said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers!

Black Labs and Lilly said...

He sounds like a wonderful man and Grandfather. So sorry for your loss, you'll be in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.

Rachel H. said...

So sorry for your loss! Sounds like he was a wonderful man! Thinking of you all!

Southern Champagne Wishes said...

I'm sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful person to have had in your life and I will be praying for you and your family.

DSS said...

What a great loss for sure. Your PaPa sounds like an amazing human being, and a wonderful role model. I know you will miss him terribly.

sarah @ life {sweet} life said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What an amazing man! My Grandad was the same way with war stories...some amazing memories. :)

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss! He looks like a very sweet Grandpa. My prayers are with your family this weekend.

~KK at preppypinkcrocodile.blogspot.com

Jill said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Papa. He sounds like an amazing person. They don't call it the Greatest Generation for no reason.

Ashley @ {Let Go, Laughing} said...

i am so sorry for you loss. you are in my thoughts!

Elizabeth said...

I'm sorry CB :(

holly-lynn said...

i'm sorry for your loss.

d.a.r. said...

I am so sorry for your loss :(

BLC :o said...

Bless your heart lovebug. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Xoxo-BLC

BLC :o said...

Bless your heart. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Xoxo-BLC

QueenBeeSwain said...

oh darling I am so much more sorry than words can express. you and your papa are in my prayers and thoughts and heart.

kHm

USCEmily said...

I was out of town all weekend and just read this. I'm so sorry to hear about your Papa- you are in my prayers!

Red Lipstick said...

I'm sorry to read about your Papa. That verse was such a comfort to me as well when my father passed away 3 years ago, "well done good and faithful servant", and as you said, Jesus' welcoming arms. Such a lovely way to think of your Papa right now.
hugs and prayers, shari

Kim said...

I'm so sorry for your loss! Your family is in my thoughts!