papa jim

on december 13th, my grandfather passed away.  it had been expected, even longed for, as he had grown more and more uncomfortable in his failing body.

papa was definitely a grandpa of actions.  every time i was near him, he would reach over and rub my back.  always.  as children, when we would visit their house in arizona, he would always borrow a  golf cart from a neighbor because he knew what a thrill we got out of riding around in it.  he would have bikes ready for us equipped with headlights for nightly bike rides. he would have the pool ready with a basketball hoop and pool toys.  he would barbecue the most delicious burgers and make us homemade ice cream.  when i was a teenager, he would sit in his car with me before i drove somewhere to show me where all the buttons and controls were because he knew i was unfamiliar with his car.  once when i was in college, i drove down to arizona with a bunch of friends for a cake concert, and when we arrived he had maps printed out for us to the concert hall and posters on the wall that said, "where's the cake?"  in 2006 when i was pregnant with macy, nana and papa moved to california to live with my parents.  for two years we had the opportunity of living near them and for parker and macy to create a bond with them that is very special.  i have a clear memory of when macy was born and papa weeping over seeing her for the first time.  he cried very easily, but it was still such a sweet moment.  he was a wonderful great-grandfather.

last weekend i went to california for his military burial and memorial service.  i loved having that time to be with my family and to reflect on his life and what he meant to me.  i am grateful for having such a wonderful grandpa... he was the best.