Our Papa

Our wonderful Papa passed away this past Sunday.  He was 87 years old.  We have a lot of good memories with him, and we will miss him dearly!  I don't think our kids really realize that he's gone yet.  The family parties will be so different, but we know that he is in a better place and feeling A LOT better.  He's just waiting for us to join him!  The kids are still keeping him in their prayers.  Tonight Sydnee said, "please bless that Papa will have a good day in Heaven."  It was one of the sweetest things I've ever heard!  Lexie has his namesake-Shelby- as her middle name.  He always called her Baby Shelby, and I love that.  Sydnee and Papa's birthdays are a day apart, so we always got to celebrate both at the same time- that I will miss.  Rest assured, Papa, I will eat some cake for you!  I went to see him and drop off some flowers a week ago today.  He was in the acute care hospital, and didn't look well at all.  I just had a feeling that it might be the last time I saw him.  I talked to him for a bit, but he was very sleepy and having a hard time speaking.  I turned to go, but before I did, I turned around and said- "HEY!"  he said- "hey!"  I said-"I love you, Papa."  he said- " I love you too, girl."  And that's the last thing he ever said to me.  I'm so glad I got to say goodbye- and I know he's waiting in heaven for his beautiful Luna and us to reunite with him.  It just hurts a bit for now.