Boppa

I've tried for days to sit down and blog, but the words just don't seem to come. I'm not sure words can even cover the things my heart is feeling, but I've given up on the idea that this blog post is going to be perfect. The fact of the matter is that on Friday, September 13th my family's whole world changed. That is the night that God had a different plan for us and a greater plan for Boppa...it's the night that God called Boppa home. It was unexpected (a massive heart attack) and it was way too soon. We've all pulled together, leaned on each other, cried until you're too dehydrated to cry any more. But I think the part that would make Boppa most proud (and probably a bit embarrassed from all the attention) is that we've reminisced....told our stories of the great man he was and the legacy he leaves behind.

My boys were lucky to have a grandfather like Boppa. From the moment they could hold their heads up he had one of them on his hip all the time. I always told him he was spoiling them by holding them all the time, but I'm so glad he did.

On our last trip to the beach, he took Isaac out fishing. The picture I took that day is etched in my mind now. In my vision of heaven, Boppa is standing just like this surrounded by kids teaching them to fish. I'll be honest, I'm jealous of those kids.


He also took us out on the boat. He held Lucas out over the side so he could touch the spray. I can still hear the two of them giggling in the back of that boat. It really was such a fun day.


This past summer we happened to be down at the beach for his birthday. The kids all decorated his birthday cookie and were so proud to take it over and sing happy birthday to him. Here he is with his 4 biggest fans. 

 

 And just some other random pictures I've found while going through things in the past week.
Boppa (in Audrey's cupcake hat) on Lucas' 2nd birthday....Lucas on his hip. 

Isaac with Boppa last Christmas just being goofy.
Even at 4 years old Isaac still liked Boppa carrying him around! 

We're so lucky in that we have so many wonderful memories that we've made with Boppa over the past few years. But in the same breath, I'm heartbroken because there should have been so many more. I struggle to understand why things happen the way they do, but I try to remember that God has a plan...one in which He evidently needed our Boppa for something bigger and better than the things he could have done here. I know in my heart that we'll see him again one day...but until then Boppa, just know we'll be talking and remembering and passing on your legacy to the two little boys who love you most. We love you and we miss you and as the boys pray every night "we hope you're having fun in heaven".