Oh, PawPaw, how I miss you.

I've been thinking for a few days about how to approach this day. I thought about going into specific memories, but there are so many. Quite frankly, it makes me weepy to think too long and hard about those things. So, I'm going to go with a more general approach. This day marks one year.

Let me tell you a little bit about my PawPaw Don. My PawPaw was a pretty complex man. He was ever the gentleman, yet he was tough. I'm talking John Wayne tough. He could outshoot anyone I've ever known. When I was little, I'd look at his hands. They were the biggest, strongest hands I'd ever seen; they were working hands. Yet they were tender. He used those hands to pat his grandchildren with affection, to pull us in for hugs, to show us he loved us.

PawPaw had a special relationship with each and every one of his grandkids. He found some way to bond with each of us. PawPaw always had a joke. He could always make us laugh. There was a mischevious twinkle in his eye that was irresistable. He had a way of teasing that shouted, "I love you!" Everyone felt welcome in his presence, felt wanted--he made a point of it.

This awe-inspiring man was adored by all of his grandchildren, family, and friends. Rightfully so. He was a man of faith, who left a legacy to his children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchild. He loved, really, truly, and deeply loved. He gave us a timeless example of how to live in faith, praise, love, work, play, laugh, and cherish each other.

One year ago today, my PawPaw passed away. Last year was tough. It was really and truly tough--which is an understatement. We lost our Mal, then less than a month later lost PawPaw too. It was a hard winter--like our family had never known before. We miss them both so, so much. However, we have hope. Someday we will see them both again in Heaven. We have that promise! God has blessed this family with tremendous strength and has increased our faith.

Lingering thought of the day: One of my favorite memories is watching PawPaw jitterbug with my spunky, sweet MawMaw in their kitchen. You could see the two working together, so perfectly suited. Then they would end in a fit of giggles (by my MawMaw of course). It was a beautiful sight of hope for the young granddaughter who watched.

Second lingering thought: There is nothing more I'd like to do today than go sit under the shade tree in MawMaw & PawPaw's front yard with the family.