Dear Pop Pop,
I knew you for 30 years and in those 30 years, you've seen grow up from little tike, to high school graduate, to Federal Worker. I remember the days that we'd always come over for Christmas and enjoy getting together for food, laughter, and watching a special or two on television. I've been missing those days a lot.
Pop Pop, when I was little and was interested in meteorology, well you always got mad when I turned on the weather channel...
I remember the days you bought stuff for us... just because you wanted to see us smile
I remember the days you bought shoes... just because.
I remember the day you took us all to see a movie... just because you wanted to see us smile
I remember the day you took me to Ruby Tuesday at Marley Station and took me for a walk around the mall... just because you wanted to have a little time with your grandson...
I remember the days when you and mom mom would argue and the three of us would just laugh our butts off because the argument was so stupid... then you'd say: "WHAT ARE YOU THREE LAUGHING AT!?"
I remember when you helped me build my school project...
I remember those days we came and visited to just... sit and talk...
I remember the days we came over for Friday night Pizza from Rocco's...
But I want you to remember me the way you want me to remember you...
This big tall man who used quips like: "What do you want, a fat lip?"
When I found out you were getting sick... and... mom told us all... it was sad to see that your mind was wasting away due to this deadly disease.
I remember the day I had to watch you when you were going through the beginning stages of your dementia and you were asking me who was playing during the college football game. I said: Eastern Tennessee State University and Fordham. You said: Fordham, they don't call them the Rams for nothing.
I said: That's right, you remembered.
As I continued to watch the football game, you dozed off, and mom came back saying: "He ok?"
I said: "Mom, He at least remembered who Fordham was."
I remember when my wedding came around and you guys couldn't come because you both weren't doing well. I was upset and I knew you guys wanted to see your last grandson officially take on the ultimate step of being a man, which is marriage. You guys took to Joanna very well. You looked at all the pictures and said: Who are they? Who is this? Is that you?
In my head, I knew you were getting worse.
2017 has been a very unforgiving year for me but also our family. While there has been excitement when it comes to travel and seeing some of the great places around the nation, it has been tough to be excited about it with you having been ill and not functioning well. I think my in-laws and wife's family understand that all of us did still have tight bond.
I only wish I could've said good the right way... unfortunately, I wasn't able to. I'm really sorry.
Now that you are up with God in heaven, I hope you're not badgering him with all these questions... but I know you probably are. :). I just want you to remember us the way we remember you.
I'm sure you're probably saying: "Hey God, take a look for a minute, those are my grandchildren down there, One's a successful contractor, the other's a chef, and the youngest is keeping us safe."
God probably said: "I see them all the time, they're going to do good things in life."
I hope you are at peace.
