Dear Papa

Dear Papa,

Before I knew you, you were a hero.  A WWII Navy Veteran who served at Pearl Harbor.  You saw things that you never talked about with us.  I loved hearing your stories about steering the admiral's ship.  And you always looked so handsome in your pictures wearing your uniform. 

What I always remembered about you was your gentle spirit and your quiet nature.  I never heard you say a harsh word to anybody.  You never stressed about anything, and you always had a smile.  I believe this was one of the reasons you thrived so well in life. 

But you weren't without your ailments, though.  For as long as I can remember, you suffered from restless leg syndrome, often causing your veins to bulge.  And in the last few years of your life, you were confined to a wheelchair.  But you never complained. 

My favorite memory of you is when you came to watch me play softball in a nearby tournament.  I had no idea that you were coming, and when I took my position behind the plate like I always do, I never expected to see you behind the fence.  I have no idea if we won or lost that game, I was just so proud to have you there.  

This past Saturday, while Mom and Dad were visiting, Dad received a call that your breathing has slowed to critical levels and that you might not make it through the night.  And at 1:45 AM Sunday morning, you passed in your sleep.  Just as gently as you entered the world, you left it. 

It's hard to believe that you're gone, because I'm so used to you being around.  I was blessed to be able to see you over Thanksgiving, and you smiled when you recognized it was me.  You remembered that I moved into a bigger house, and we watched the birds chirp outside.  Mom told me you were having a good day, but I never saw you have a bad day.  You will be missed, but never forgotten. 

I love you, and I'll see you soon. 

Love your favorite granddaughter,

Holly

My Papa and I, last Memorial Day.  He was 94-years-old when he passed.