Take Her Hand...

Early this morning, just before 1am, our phone rang.

I know in a few years, when our boys can drive or are off at college, I hope the ringing of the phone at that time is not something we will hear, so often no good can come of that...

However, this was a call we were expecting.

Todd and I knew who it was and what it was about on the first ring.

It was Foe Foe.

My Grandfather  had passed away.

We knew it would be soon, he has not been well for a while, but we are saddened none the less.

He was my "Father Dear" and I was his "Natalia Dear."

He was a "big" man in a small town in Alabama and he was loved and respected by many.

He was also a really wonderful Grandfather.

When I was little he would let me "drive" the riding lawnmower to California... before I knew about things like earthquakes and fault lines. 

I flew an "airplane" (the twisted and low branches of a tree, now lost to a hurricane) in their back yard...

He would take us out on his boat... I drove the boat too...

He and my Nana also gave me my first car...

I am beginning to see a theme here.

I was fortunate to grow up in close proximity to them and was able to enjoy my grandparents company endlessly.

I had sleepovers with friends at their house.

Father Dear was always interested in all our goings on...

my heart is hurting and I miss him so.

So, for those of you who read this, maybe you would consider taking just a moment to offer a prayer for his soul to be at peace...

And to remind him that when he sees a beautiful little girl with dark curly hair, big blue eyes and dimples marking her cheeks, to take her hand and tell her that her Mommy and Daddy love her and she, in turn, will tell him how much he is loved.

Grady P. and Grady J.