The man who hung the moon

Carter had his first trip to Florida to visit his Great Granny.  It was a 10 hour car trip, and he did so well all the way down.  When we finally got there it was so good to see Granny, and to walk in the house.  I love my grandparents house, it's a shrine to my childhood.  The house is filled with pictures of us (me, my sister, and my cousin Jennifer) from birth until adulthood.  It has this distinct smell that I love, that takes me right back to being a carefree kid, and of course it makes me miss my Papaw more than anything! 

Some of you may know my grandfather passed away five years ago from cancer. It was such a blow to our family. We were all there right by his side the day he left this world and entered another. He knew how much we loved him, and if you ask me that was the best way you can go. Having your spouse by your side, your siblings, both of your daughter-in-laws, both of your children and your grand-children holding your hands, with each and every one of them telling you how much they love you until you slip out quietly. I miss him so much everyday, but something about being in that house makes me a little nostalgic for the past. I will always think my Papaw hung the moon. From the time I was born until I was 22 years old I would crawl up on his lap. My favorite was when he would just gotten home from playing golf, he would sit in his recliner and I would sit in his lap and lay my head on his shoulder. I loved the smell of golf sweat, old spice, with a hint of a after a round of golf beer. I miss sitting beside him at the breakfast table, and him making Granny laugh so hard she couldn't catch her breath, I miss his bear hugs (they literally took the breath right of you). I miss the way he laughed, and him tapping the steering wheel and his glass with his ring, I miss him singing, I miss his golf tan and how I would always tell him to take off his socks when he was barefoot, I miss him driving 100mph on the highway, I miss his stories, I miss seeing his big ol' ears in the car in front of me, I would always tell Granny "haha all you can see is the top of his head, and his ears sticking out the side of the seat", I miss him taking us skiing on the boat, and he would go really fast for me and really slow for Whit and Jennifer.



Me and Papaw (his last Christmas, I was 22)



Me Papaw and Whitney

Me and Papaw

Papaw and his girls (Kristin, Whitney, and Jennifer)



It was so hard on me that he wasn't at my wedding, I know he was there in spirit, but I wish he could have been there in person. I carried his picture on my bouquet and had a lit candle at the alter in memory of him. I wish even more that he could hold Carter. I know he would have been in love with my little boy. I had a dream right after Carter was born...It was my whole birthing experience just like it really happened, but in the dream my Papaw was in the left corner of the room smiling. I really feel that was his way of letting me know that he was there, and he was happy about this little boy coming into the world. I like to think that he had a say in giving us precious Carter.

During our visit to Florida, my Granny, Carter, and I went to the cemetery where my Papaw is buried. I am by no means a fan of cemeteries, but the particular one is beautiful and so peaceful. I really wanted to take Carter out there to visit. It was a good day...

...yep little boy, he would have thought you hung the moon!