celebrating/missing

yesterday marked the one year anniversary of Papa's journey to his eternal home, Heaven.

his life here was filled with hard work, as he invested a lot of time into his businesses. the only one i ever knew of was his furniture store, Furniture City. we loved to visit there and many happy memories are forever tucked within those warehouse like walls.

he loved to bless others. his generosity to countless people in need will never be forgotten. he was always quick to offer grocery/ gas money when we went to visit, and sent monthly checks to my mom just to help out. my mom said it was typical of him to drive by a bus station just to give away a twenty dollar bill to a needy person.

he loved sweets, especially werthers the last few years. you could always count on him having a pocket full of golden wrapped caramels. sometimes, when at the dillard house, he would finish his large dinner and explain how full he was. when asked if he wanted his dessert he'd say no. a few minutes later not only had he finished his own bowl of dessert, but as he was offered others, he quickly finished them all off. he loved anything sweet.

i loved hearing his stories about knocking a teacher, miss five by five, off her stool while she was teaching. he repeatedly told us about how he bought nanny a winter coat, since she had none and her family couldn't afford one, before they were even together. he laughed as he told about how he tripped at nanny's feet on their first date, a double date. he always said it was a real actual trip, and he looked up to see her looking down at him.

though him and nanny fought frequently, he told her almost nonstop how beautiful she was. he'd look at us and say "now this here is my sweetheart. she's the prettiest lady ever." there were faithful to each other, married over 65 years.

while we miss him here, it is so good to know he is with Jesus in heaven. he's running, laughing, and worshipping. and one day we will be reunited with him. what a joyful reunion that will be.

we love and miss you, but know you are in a better place.