Mine

       One year ago today, we laid my Papaw to rest.

     I remember at the hospital, holding his hand, praying, and preparing to say the final goodbye, though I knew my words only reached his spirit. Long hours passed, and I kept turning his life over in my mind. Specifically, his part in mine.

     The prior year, his words of encouragement about my writing touched me in a way no one else could. He wasn’t one to hand out compliments, just not his style. I knew he meant them from the depths of his heart most people never saw.

     Through the process of funeral preparations, I knew I had to write something special. I’d promised him as much.

     I hope this is an encouragement to you. Maybe help you cry a few tears you’ve suppressed too long.

     “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matt. 5:4 NKJV

 

Mine

Everyone needs a cowboy in their life to tell the stories of riding the range. Tall tales of the way things used to be with just enough truth to reserve a memory in one’s heart.

Everyone needs a cowboy. You were mine.

Everyone needs a comic in their life to bring bright rays of light even in the saddest of times. One who, with a few words, can bring tears to your eyes from laughter.

Everyone needs a comic. You were mine.

Everyone needs a friend in their life to share an inside joke. A special thing that belongs to no other but you and him. Something that cuts an unusual path into your heart.

Everyone needs a friend. You were mine.

Everyone needs an elder in their life. Someone to remind of where you came from and of the heritage given you. One who will tell you, without words, to be proud of your Choctaw blood.

Everyone needs an elder. You were mine.

Everyone needs a loved one waiting for them on the shores of Heaven. Someone who will show you around the place when your time comes. One to reserve a spot for you close to the throne.

Everyone needs a loved one in Heaven. You are mine.

Everyone needs a Papaw in their life to love and be loved by. One to call you a corny nickname, and say you are gifted. A Papaw whose voice will ring true for all the years to come.

Everyone needs a Papaw. You are mine.

In Their Own Words

Book Review: The Portable Patriot

     The best way to learn about the founding of the United States of America is from the founders themselves. The Portable Patriot, edited by Joel J. Miller and Kristen Parrish, is filled with well known and lesser known tales that brought this country to its point of birth and beyond. From the witty writings of Benjamin Franklin to the solemn advice of George Washington, this book caused me to laugh out loud, share quotes of wisdom with friends, and ponder the present state of our nation.

     The courage, bravery, and sacrifices of these men and women made me want to cry. They not only wanted freedom for themselves–their plan was to insure it be passed down for generations to come.

     Be forewarned: The Portable Patriot is not a contemporary read. I found myself re-reading parts to comprehend the depth of meaning of some essays. Nevertheless, I preferred the original writings as they helped me understand the thoughts and paradigms of our founding fathers.

     Overall, I’d recommend this to everyone if for nothing more than to read the articles that shaped our country into one of the greatest in history–and perhaps help us find our way back to that place once again.

'Mine'

  Tribute to my Papaw

'Mine'

   Everyone needs a cowboy in their life to tell the stories of riding the range. Tall tales of the way things used to be with just enough truth to reserve a memory in one’s heart.

   Everyone needs a cowboy. You were mine.

   Everyone needs a comic in their life to bring bright rays of light even in the saddest of times. One who, with a few words, can bring tears to your eyes from laughter.

   Everyone needs a comic. You were mine.

Everyone needs a friend in their life to share an inside joke. A special thing that belongs to no other but you and him.  Something that cuts an unusual path into your heart.

   Everyone needs a friend. You were mine.

   Everyone needs an elder in their life. Someone to remind of where you came from and of the heritage given you. One who will tell you, without words, to be proud of your Choctaw blood.

   Everyone needs an elder. You were mine.

   Everyone needs a loved one waiting for them on the shores of Heaven. Someone who will show you around the place when your time comes. One to reserve a spot for you close to the throne.

   Everyone needs a loved one in Heaven. You are mine.

   Everyone needs a Papaw in their life to love and be loved by. One to call you a corny nickname, and say you are gifted. A Papaw whose voice will ring true for all the years to come.

   Everyone needs a Papaw. You are mine.

Papaw

August 29th, 1930 ~ April 1st, 2010