Two amazing men, my Uncle Al and My Papa

So, I’ve sat here the past couple of days attempting to write about the recent loss of my Uncle Al, an amazing man. I’ve recounted memories of  waking up to Dunkin Donuts on a Saturday morning, knowing Uncle Al had been by the house (and was golfing with my dad and oldest brother) and the smell of his pipe. His infectious smile and unadulterated honesty. His east coast accent and his hats. How he added an “e” to everyones name but called me sweetie (or when i was younger meme). He didn’t miss a birthday and he would always give you a smile. He was my fathers hero and best friend and my awesome uncle. I loved my Uncle Al dearly and feel so blessed to have made a trip to Arizona just a few weeks ago and had the chance to see him at a birthday gathering. You may know I have three older brothers. My oldest brother J.R wrote a letter to my uncle that expresses our love and gratitude for him perfectly. Here. We love you Uncle Al!

This morning I heard my phone ring and missed it by a moment. The second I looked at who was calling I knew what it was about and immediately broke down as I listened to the short broken up voice mail left by my brother Chuck saying to call Mom.  Now today I sit here at home scribbling thoughts and memories of my Grandpa (papa, sam) and sifting through boxes of photographs of the only Grandpa I knew, an undoubtedly amazing man. Although I am an extremely sentimental and sensitive person I am not the greatest with words and I am not great at writing or talking about my emotions. My heart is tugging in many different ways as I remember my grandpa and his struggle with Alzheimer’s and his life before the disease.

Many of my memories are from a short time period where I lived with my grandparents. My family was making the transition back to Arizona from California and I was starting 10th grade, right before I had my drivers license. During this time my grandfather would drive me to school on the days my parents weren’t in town. These days I always thought to myself “go faster grandpa!! I am going to be late”. (If you know me, you know I hate being late.) Inevitably, I was late, either due to my teenagerness or his slow driving.

One day we were going down the road on our way to school and I finally said (half joking) “Step on it Gramps!!!” he just looked over and laughed and laughed and gave me a nudge on the shoulder and said “OK!”  All while still going 20mph. I love my grandpa. He has taught me many things. One of which was to slow down. Slow down and listen to people, listen to their stories, laugh at their jokes, and enjoy their company. Smile at life.

Him and my grandma taught me the beauty of waking up in the early morning to go for a walk (and they were still kind enough to let me collapse back asleep afterward) and enjoying the cool air and new day.

He taught me to always make time for family. I can never remember an instance where my grandpa turned me down for a game of blackjack, Uno, or Go Fish, a ride on his tractor, or a dollar.

Now, If you talk about my grandpa a dollar is bound to come up. A dollar and the sound of the ice cream man. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents growing up. Many nights staying over at their house in Tempe and nearly every Sunday after church going over for some of Grandmas delicious home cooking. Aside from all the games, trips to Macfrugals, and coffee with tons of sugar and cream the thing that always sticks out the most…is that dollar. That dollar that could buy me Ice cream cones, popscicles, and knick knacks from the ice cream man. That dollar that lit us up every time. I remember buying candy, ice cream, even fake fingernails and Army men! I honestly do not remember a time where Grandpa didn’t have that dollar to give and give happily. Just a little thing that meant so much to me and my brothers.

I could literally talk all day about funny memories I’ve had with my Grandpa, the trip around the Midwest we took just a few years ago that I will always cherish and his never judgmental face. I will always think of these things and smile.

So here is to my Grandpa, Papa, Sam. Thank you for all of your laughs, toe popping, dollars, slow driving, and “terrible” days. I will miss our inside jokes and pats on the back. I am happy to know you are dancing in heaven, clear minded and joyful. I wonder if you will still have that farmers tan and round belly when I see you next? You’re probably telling everyone stories and laughing at their jokes. You’re the best Grandpa a girl could ever ask for.

And because photos and memories are what we have left, a photo that I think perfectly describes my grandpa. From his granddaughter who “sure likes taking pictures”

We love you Papa!