I Like To Mosey

(Papa & Mama on their wedding day)

My Grandfather passed away last Tuesday.

To my Papa-

You don't remember me, but I remember you.

I remember your bushy eyebrows. You would let me take your glasses off so I could comb them.

I remember your sweet tooth. You would take us to TCBY for frozen yogurt before dinner. It was our secret because we promised it wouldn't spoil our meal.

(Papa in the Navy. He lied about his age so he could enlist during WWII...Mama was pretty miffed when she learned, from an article in the paper, that the man she had fallen for was in fact one of the young local boys who had enlisted before the age of 18)

I remember when you opened the door to the grandfather clock and moved the time up an hour. I remember when you winked as the clock started chiming that it was time to open Christmas presents...an hour early.

I remember when you would lift me high up in the air until I thought I would fall "I tip I tip I tip!", but you never let me fall.

I remember how funny you were. I remember your laugh that would spread a smile across my face.

I remember when you let me drive your car across the Georgia state line....before I had my license or even my learner's permit.

I remember when my dad would call you Luigi.

I remember when you would tell me, "You're lookin good kid!"

Every happy moment, every laugh, every smile, every hug, every scoop of ice cream......I will carry you and your zest for life with me for all of my days.

I'm so proud to know what a great man my Papa was. I know I will see him again someday, but until then....I'll remember.