In my (almost) 30 years, I have lost all of my grandparents. Both my parents fathers passed away before I was born as well as my father's stepfather. I was blessed to have 2 grandmothers and step grandfather who loved me like one of his own.
I lost my Papa Claude the February of 2003, just a few months before I graduated high school. I would give anything to just be able to sit and have a conversation with him. The man loved to talk and tell stories. And he was oh so wise. I will never forget the Christmas before he passed away. He was really sick and was in the hospital an hour from home. My grandmother insisted she was okay to be up there alone, but my Mom and Aunt Lynn didn't believe her. They sent me up to stay with them and keep them company. He was in the hospital from Christmas Even until after New Year's. One afternoon he and I were alone in the hospital room when his preacher came in. When Reverend Ron came in my Papa told him who I was and then began to tell him that he knew one day I would be in ministry. I kind of giggled when he said it and thought what is he talking about. Keep in mind- I was a senior in high school who had just found out she had gotten into Wake- besides that, I was clueless. But not Papa, he knew my heart and had a sense of God's plan.
In the late 90's, Papa spent a lot of time making stools. He made 'crooked stools'. All of the grandchildren were given a stool and he had them all around the house. He loved being in his shop and making stools to give to those he loved.
Thankful for the gift of memories and the place they'll always hold in my heart. Thankful for the blessing Papa Claude was to my family.
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