Lessons Learned

I'm just a girl who never wants to forget. As I have spent a lot of the day today, processing the events of the last 6 days, I am filled with a longing to keep the memories alive. I am sad in a way, but more grateful for all the time I spent with the wonderful man whose life we have celebrated over the last 6 days. I had the privilege of spending several summers with he and Mammy and learned so much from both of them. Pawpaw and I shared a lot of time together. A lot of which was in silence, or to the sound of the gravel under the tires of his Ford as we drove down the country roads with the windows down. We just enjoyed doing things together...no words necessary. He taught me how to raise cattle and then buy and sell them at the auction, grow a garden, fix a trailer, drink straight from the water well, eat a freshly picked watermelon,  and to really just enjoy the simple things in life. He taught me the importance of reading the Bible and going to church. He taught me to be slow to anger, as I never remember seeing him angry. He taught me that if you don't have something nice to say, don't speak. I never heard him speak an unkind word against anyone. I heard quite a few people say this week that he was a man with no enemies and everyone who met him loved him. I hope that the same can be said of me. He shared God's love and message with all who would open their hearts and listen. Never forceful, but always willing. He always had a song in his heart and you could either find him picking at his guitar or various other instruments or whistling a tune. Such a peaceful and loving soul and I am so proud and honored to have known and loved him as my Pawpaw. I will NEVER forget and until we meet again, will keep the song going. It may have a little different sound (he loved his southern gospel :), but the source is the same...Love.