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Remembering Papaw

February 25, 2022
When Ron died, we were expecting our 3rd grandchild. Our grandson was born 4 months after Ron's death.
Ron carried his moniker of Papaw with pride. He loved spoiling our oldest 2 grandchildren and they loved him beyond measure.
I adopted a signature after Ron's death, where I signed everything to them with 3x's and 3o's (XOXOXO - a set of xo for myself, for the grandchild, and the 3rd set for their papaw). It was how I kept Ron a part of our lives. As the grandchildren grew, I'd have conversations with them about their papaw. The older 2 wanted to know if papaw would be proud of who they turned out to be. And the youngest wants to know if papaw would like him at all. Of course, I assure each of them that their papaw would be immensely proud of them and love them beyond measure. 
It is difficult to face each angelversary and this year is no different. I am, however,  preparing to mark this anniversary with our oldest grandchild (she is noe 20 years old) by getting matching tattoos. We chose an infinity twist with the XOXOXO written in each other's handwriting. I cannot think of a higher honor to give a man that left a deep impression on the hearts of so many.
Still loving you Ron. Forever and always ❤ ❤ ❤

February

January 5, 2011

The Valentine's Day before Ron died (2008) was quiet for us.  But the next day, Ron came home with a dozen orange roses!  They were beautiful and that was my Ron.  He preferred to give when it was least expected.  Once that was established between us (a long time ago), his gifts were quite thoughtful.  I loved him for many things but one of those things was his thoughtfulness.

January

January 5, 2011

This will be short but a memory of a January past:

We were living in VA and my birthday was approaching.  My birthday became just another day to me the older I got but this one year, Ron and Caryn had become a bit suspicious in nature.  On the day of my birthday (the 25th) the weather forcast was cold and snow!  Ron was becoming more and more anxious, something he was normally not, so I was totally confused.  Well the snow storm had become much worse than thought so now Ron and Caryn sat me down and confessed they had planned a birthday party for me!  They had to tell me because of the weather they had to cancel the party. 

It was one of the sweetest things Ron had done for my birthday ever.  Even though the party never happened, just knowing that he had made all the plans was such a gift to me.

Birthdays after we moved south had evolved to family dinners at the choice of resturant of the birthday person.

Our final goodbye

December 27, 2010

On the morning of Ron's death, I left early to go to my daughters to watch my grandson and another little fella.  Ron still had to prepare and pack for his business trip later that morning.

I received a phone call just after arriving at my daughter's apartment.  Ron had left his badge in the vehicle I drove and needed it before he left.  So I packed up the two little guys and we drove back home.  The little fellas were excited to be going to our house to see PaPaw.

When we pulled in the driveway, Ron was still inside finishing his packing and the boys wanted to play in the yard.  I left the boys to play and I went inside to give Ron his badge and help him finish packing.  Shortly after I went in, the boys came running in and wanted PaPaw to come outside to see them climb trees.  The three of them went outside for a short time while I made sure Ron's bag was packed. 

Those of you who know Ron, know he sleeps with a CPAP.  As I was checking his bag, I realized he did not pack the hose for the CPAP that he would need to sleep.  It felt like a crisis diverted when I found it and put it in his bag.

Ron brought the boys inside to finish preparing for his trip and the boys followed him like a shadow, chattering the entire time.  The final stop was the bathroom for a splash of aftershave (that was shared with the little men too).  All were smelling very dashing as we left the house. 

Ron helped me to buckle the boys in the van and when I said goodbye, he and I hugged.  I had a strange feeling with that last hug.  Certainly not bad, actually it was wonderful.   It almost felt like the first time I met Ron and we hugged in my Mom's driveway. 

I know this story is not particularly interesting to anyone, but it is a memory I will carry with me forever.

our last Christmas together

December 25, 2010

Ron came home from work one day with a certificate for a special stay promotion in Gatlinburg TN.  He decided to use this certificate for Christmas.  We made plans to go to Gatlinburg for Christmas 2007.  It was a magical time for us that year.  Caryn met us for Christmas eve and Christmas day.  The unit we stayed in was cozy and warm.  We had a kitchen and were able to cook for ourselves and enjoy each others company.

Caryn had to get back to work (at the bank) and we were going on to KY to spend time with Ron's mom and dad.  By the time we left Gatlinburg Ron had decided to buy into the timeshare program (something I wasn't so sure about but Ron was determined).  This deal was to become the last gift to me from my dearest husband and best friend.

Our drive to KY from TN was a route we had not taken before so it was a pleasant adventure.  We talked and laughed all the way.  I remember feeling so happy - the company was obviously fantastic, the scenery was beautiful. 

As we got closer to Mom and Dad's, we came to a town where Ron had spent time as a child.  We decided to take a detour and drove by the house where he lived and around the neighborhood where he spent a part of his childhood.  Ron was a wonderful storyteller and I had listened to many stories of his childhood so this excursion was exciting to put visions in my mind to the stories he shared with me.

It was well after dark when we arrived at Mom and Dad's but always a warm and loving welcome.  Visiting with them had become quite special to me because I felt like Ron and I had finally become "real" adults and not just "the kids" coming hoome to visit.

This memory will live in my mind and heart forever.  Love and miss you honey. Always

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