I have been thinking of Papa a lot lately as it has just been over a year since he passed. Although that is sad for me it is usually always replaced with the knowledge of how lucky we all were to have such a great man as our father/grandfather. To me he was not just a dad but he was also a great friend. On Sundays when we usually had our 1-2 hour phone visits I am sometimes lost to talk to my friend. He was always there with good advice, to listen or to share what was going on in his life. We laughed alot. He always had a great laugh. To this day I still can’t imagine life without him.

Papa always told me how much he loved you and how much joy you brought into his life. He loved Steph and Linnea so much as well. You brought so many good things into his life as he did into yours.

On that last visit you mentioned, he told me how good it was to spend time with you and see you all. Sometimes words do not have to be spoken in order to convey a deep meaning. I think this is one of those times. For as you mentioned in different words it is not the isolated times that make the relationship but the totality of all the times that make up that relationship that stands the test of time.

Thanks for the lovely tribute to papa. I love you so much and so did he…..mom