Papa John



In all our craziness over the summer, none can compare to the loss we had in August.  You know, that phone call you get that brings you to your knees?  I've had a few of those in my lifetime...and this is one of them.  Very rarely have I seen my husband cry.  He is the strong one, the one who thinks things through, the one that keeps me grounded, the one that when I am anything but calm....he is, the one that is the peacemaker, and a true example of a loving husband and father.  But, on August 7th, I saw tears.  I saw a man who felt helpless and heartbroken.  He got THE call.  The call that his daddy, his crazy but sweet daddy, had died at his home.  He had just turned 75.

After the call, the tears and hugs he automatically went into a "gotta get it done" mode.  I have never lost a parent, thank goodness.  My Poppi was the closest to a parent that I have lost.  I know how that hurt. 

Bad. 

But, I guess when you lose a parent there are things that have to be done.  AND guess what...YOU have to do it.  I know Troy and his sisters faced a really hard time but they did it and did it together. 

That week was really a blur.  As it should be.  I can't remember a lot but do know that I am super proud of my husband and the leadership role he showed to me and the kids.  I am one lucky girl.

Words cannot express how much we will miss Papa.  We loved stopping at his house on our way back to Houston from the Ville.  He was on the way home for us and our normal stop in Plum will never be the same.  We would always call him and tell him we were on our way....now, if you knew John and you told him you were going to be there at 3 o' clock...you better be there at 3 o' clock.  ha!  There were many times we were late and would get a little lecture.  ha! 

Now it's going to be weird passing his turn off knowing he's not there.  We always loved stopping there to play with Yogi and Snoopy, drive the mule around the little 'ole town of Plum, listen to old country classic music and listening to his funny stories.  Let me tell you, he had some funny ones.  We never had to stop at 7-11 for sodas for the car ride home because we always knew Papa would hook us up with some.  Of course, soda was not Papa's drink of choice but he has some soda just for us.  :)  I am thankful that the kids have such fond memories of hanging out at Papa's house. 

The kids even had a song about him....goes a little something like this: (not sure of the tune)

Paaaa-pa John

Paaaa-pa John

Papa John lives in Plum, picks pecans,

Paaaa-pa John.

Although we are sad and heartbroken over his passing, we know that he is better hands. God promises us that and for that we are thankful. 

RIP Papa, John, Tic, Daddy....We love you and will miss you always.

Why me Lord?
What have I ever done?
To deserve even one
Of the blessings I've known

Why me Lord?
What did I ever do?
That was worth love from You
And the kindness You've shown

Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am

Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand

Try me Lord
If You think there's a way
That I can repay
What I've taken from You

Maybe Lord
I could show someone else
What I've been through myself
On my way back to You

Lord help me, Jesus
I've wasted it
So help me Jesus
I know what I am

Now that I know
That I've needed You
So help me Jesus
My soul's in Your hand
Jesus, my soul's in Your hands.