Today is a very special day. Today my grandfather, were he still living, would have been 100 years old. Bigdaddy, as us grandchildren called him, was one of the greatest men I have ever known. He was kind, generous, loving, and always smiling. He loved basketball, peaches & ice cream, his church & friends. He adored his wife, my grandmother. He treasured his two girls, my mother & aunt. But, he worshiped his grandchildren. As one of the recipients of his devotion, I can tell you it was one of the purest loves. It wasn't until I became a mother last year that I really realized how much he loved us.
About the time John & I moved back to Arkansas in 2005, Bigdaddy was ready to leave his home in South Arkansas and move to an assisted living facility. As hard as this was for him, he was 92 at this point, it was a blessing for me. Bigdaddy moved to a great home just 15 minutes from me. Every Sunday, John & I went to see Bigdaddy. Sometimes we took him out to lunch and sometimes we just hung out in his room. The times we did take him to lunch, he would always be waiting for us at the door with his best coat & cap on. I always felt so special that he would dress up for me.
In 2007, Bigdaddy celebrated his 95th birthday. Later that summer his health began to decline. I could tell he was ready, or at least close, to go home. John & I went for our weekly visit. At the end of our visit, I grabbed his hand, kissed his cheek, looked in his eyes and said, "You are the greatest grandfather I have ever known". He smiled and said, "I love you Juli. You too John". That was the last time I saw Bigdaddy.
Bigdaddy's church & faith were very important to him. In honor of his 100th birthday, I sent his church $1 for every year since his birth. It's a small gift compared to the gift his church was to our family.
It's on days like today that I am reminded that today, this very moment, is what is most important. Love your friends. Adore your spouse. Treasure your children. And, if you are lucky to have them, worship your grandchildren.
Happy Birthday Bigdaddy!
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