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Heather's Dish

Faces of Beauty

The Week After I Turned 27

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Mary is on Faces of Beauty today!  Come read her amazing story!

Please vote for me to advance to Round 4 in Project Food Blog!  It’s easy:  just click here :)

As some of you may remember, seven days ago I turned 27 years old.  And on my birthday I found out that my Papa, 88 years old, would probably not be around much longer.  It broke my heart, and I’d be lying if I said that the week since hearing that hasn’t been full of stress the likes of which I’ve never really known.  Sadness in my heart and trying to play life like it was normal.  Worrying constantly about my family, specifically my Grandma, and how they were doing.  Hoping that he was feeling no pain and that he knew how much he was loved.  I didn’t post it on the blog, but Friday night my dad held the phone to Papa’s ear so I could say goodbye.  Talk about heart-breaking.  I didn’t really know what to do the rest of the night.  Thankfully I have an incredible husband who just held me and loved me through the pain.

My Papa and my beautiful cousin Katie

My Papa was a great man, so full of love and life, and I remember him always lighting up when we would walk in the room.  As my dad has been saying, he and my grandmother have lived a legacy of love that I feel honored to pass on to our children.

He was in the Navy and he made wedding cakes.  He made a killer garlic salad dressing that I could eat all day long.  He and my Grandma would watch Days of Our Lives and he could (and would!) hold an entire conversation around how John and Marlena were doing and what Stefano was up to this week.  He was an incredible horticulturist and had the prettiest roses I’ve ever seen.  When we would go out to see my family in California he and Grandma would always take us to McDonald’s to play poker and show off their granddaughters.

I’ll never forget his smell, the incredible pride that he carried himself with, and the love that he and my Grandma have always bestowed upon us.  He was amazing, and I miss him already.  My only encouragement right now is knowing that he feels no pain and that he is with our Lord and Savior.

Papa, I love you and I wish I’d told you and every day what you mean to me.

PSALM 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

AMEN.

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Comments

  1. Ashley says

    October 17, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Heather – I’m sure your Papa knew how much you loved + cared for him, even without you telling him everyday. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jaime says

    October 6, 2010 at 12:21 pm

    My prayers are with you and your family. Heaven just got a bit more brigther!

    Reply
    • Jaime says

      October 6, 2010 at 12:21 pm

      I promise I know how to spell BRIGHTER! oops!;)

      Reply
  3. Tina says

    October 6, 2010 at 9:28 am

    I’m just going through my Reader since yesterday was so insane. Sorry to hear about your Papa. Let me know if you need anything and of course my prayers will be with your family.

    Reply
  4. Angela@Life given says

    October 6, 2010 at 7:54 am

    There is a season for everything under the sun. Letting go of that human relationship feels dreadful, but knowing that there spirit is ahead of ours is hopeful. It’s not a loss to loose someone to Christ.

    Hugs

    Reply
  5. Courtney (Pancakes & Postcards) says

    October 6, 2010 at 7:32 am

    i’m so sorry, heather. prayers for your family.

    Reply
  6. Mary says

    October 5, 2010 at 8:19 pm

    That was a beautiful tribute to your papa. It is never easy, but it makes us stop to think what our legacy might be to leave behind, as your papa left one for you. Prayers go out to you my dear, and yes, he is in a much happier place now smiling down on you everyday.

    Reply
  7. Anna says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:32 pm

    I’m so sorry. Losing a grandparent is so hard- I was in your shoes not too long ago. Thinking of you.

    Reply
  8. Lauren says

    October 5, 2010 at 5:54 pm

    Heather, I am so sorry about your loss! Thoughts, prayers, hugs and every morsel of sympathy are being sent your way! If you need anything, please don’t ever hesitate girl.
    <3 <3 <3

    Reply
  9. sassymom says

    October 5, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    Heather, as many before me have said, what a beautiful tribute to your Papa—I’m so sorry for your loss–but yet rejoicing that he no longer suffers and is dancing with Jesus in Heaven. I am tearful as I read this as I remember the loss of my Father this year. It is always difficult–smile with the wonderful memories you have of him. Hugs to you and your beautiful family! Will keep your family–especially your Grandmother–in my prayers. Love You!

    Reply
  10. Heather C says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:52 pm

    Heather, I’m so sorry for your loss 🙁 You and Nate have an amazing relationship and definitely shine through the example that your Grandparents (and parents) must have given to you! xo <3

    Reply
  11. What Kate Ate says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    Heather – my thoughts are with you and your family!

    Reply
  12. Natalia - a side of simple says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:42 pm

    You and your family are in my prayers, Heather. Much love.

    Reply
  13. Mary says

    October 5, 2010 at 2:36 pm

    I’m at starbucks right now reading this bawling like a baby. This post is beautiful and I can completely relate to you as my grandpa is sick as well. <3 hang in there, you're an amazing and strong and beautiful individual.

    Reply
  14. Carrie says

    October 5, 2010 at 11:41 am

    I’m in the same exact place right now and I feel for you. My Grandma has had cancer for several years and has decided to drop chemo. Ever since she has rapidly declined and is looking at her last weeks. It’s heartbreaking and hard as I have lost few people in my life that I have loved.

    Reply
  15. megan @ whatmegansmaking says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:57 am

    What a beautiful testament to your grandfather. Just keep reminding yourself of what you wrote and that he is in heaven and you’ll see him again.

    Reply
  16. Amber says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:38 am

    I’m so sorry heather, I am thinking of you today.

    Reply
  17. Liz @ Tip Top Shape says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:11 am

    God bless your grandpa, and you too, of course. This was a beautiful tribute to his memory.

    Reply
  18. Summah says

    October 5, 2010 at 10:10 am

    Thinking of you, Heather…I lost my grandmother last year; it’s important to carry on the memories that we have. Sending the happiest vibes your way!

    Reply
  19. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:51 am

    Trust me… I know what you’re going through!

    My prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  20. LiveForTheRun says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:44 am

    What a beautiful post, I know it’s hard. Thank you for sharing this, truly.

    I went through an eerily similar situation and to this day I can cry on a dime if I think about it, and that’s OK.

    God is good!

    Reply
  21. Mama Pea says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:41 am

    God bless you and Papa. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Reply
  22. KeepItSweet says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:38 am

    so sorry for your loss:-(

    Reply
  23. Nic says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:33 am

    I’m sorry Heather. He sounds like a great Papa and it sounds like he is surrounded by a wonderful family.

    Reply
  24. Dorry says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:22 am

    Oh Heather – tears streaming down my face! This is beautiful. Your Papa sounds like an amazing man and the world is a better place because of his contributions and love. Thinking about you. xo

    Reply
  25. Bekki says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:20 am

    Your in my prayers- What a wonderful post about a man I don’t know but want to love anyways!! Thank you for sharing!!

    Reply
  26. Evan Thomas says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:20 am

    I’m so sorry for your families loss. Anyone who could hold a conversation about Days Of Our Lives holds a special place in my heart.

    Reply
  27. Sarah says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:16 am

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how you feel. I just lost my Pappy to cancer 3 months ago. It still hurts. Hugs to you!

    Reply
  28. Katie @ Health for the Whole Self says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:15 am

    Beautiful tribute. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  29. Amy @ Second City Randomness says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:07 am

    I’m sorry you’re having to deal with this right now. You’re in my thoughts and I’m sending good vibes your way!

    Reply
  30. Abby says

    October 5, 2010 at 9:02 am

    Your papa sounds like a wonderful man. Praising God that he’s with Him right now. I will be praying for you and your family.

    Reply
  31. Kara @ MyWellnest says

    October 5, 2010 at 8:27 am

    He sounds like a wonderful man 🙂
    *Pug Hugs*

    Reply
  32. Sarah for Real says

    October 5, 2010 at 8:26 am

    One BIG HUG from across the internet from a total stranger.

    Reply
  33. Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says

    October 5, 2010 at 8:12 am

    So sorry to hear this Heather. Hang in there and know that many many people are praying for you and your family right now. Stay strong.

    Reply
  34. glutenfreemuse says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:56 am

    Sorry to hear that. I’ve lost both of my dad’s parents, and it is hard everytime you lose anyone. I wish you the best in getting through this 🙂 We are all here for you!

    Reply
  35. Rachel @ The Avid Appetite says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:49 am

    So sorry to hear it 🙁 very touching tribute.

    Reply
  36. Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:43 am

    heather, i have NO doubt that your pa knew just how much you loved and cherished him. in just this short blog post it is obvious to all of us. i’m thinking of you and your family.

    Reply
  37. Salah says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:36 am

    I’m going to miss Papa, RIP Cool Hunk. I’m sure he is up in heaven with Jay looking down on us and smiling saying, “well all be together one day”.

    Reply
  38. lpskins says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:31 am

    tears tears tears. loss is so hard. xo

    Reply
  39. Jessica @ How Sweet says

    October 5, 2010 at 7:31 am

    <3

    Reply
    • Jessica @ How Sweet says

      October 5, 2010 at 7:32 am

      Well… that certainly doesn’t look like it should. Love you!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Oklahoma « Heather's Dish says:
    October 17, 2010 at 7:15 am

    […] not excited about the reason for the trip and still find myself crying at odd times.  I know it’s hard to let a loved one go, but as I […]

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