Today is Memorial Day and it is also the birthday of the only dad that really raised me. Today would have been my grandfather’s birthday, my Papa. Papa was

born May 26, 1912 and he would have been 91 this year. Papa passed away twelve years ago this month.

When my birth father was or was not around, Papa was there for my family and I. He was the protector, the provider and the counselor all in one. As an

adult, I can imagine that Papa didn’t care much for my birth father, but he never let me know this. Papa’s world revolved around his Pooky, Buddy Boy and

his two daughters. A caring and considerate man, Papa did a great deal for his family, community and country.

During World War II, Papa provided honorable service to the United States Army. A very special person in my life recently presented my grandfather’s medals

to me. I cherish the medals dearly. In my family, I am the protector of the momentos, scrapbooks, photos, etc. It is a great honor to be able to look at

Papa’s medals whenever I want.

I get emotional when I think about Papa because I feel that he was snatched away from me. Papa lived a long full life but selfish thoughts run through my heart and mind. Papa knows that I love him; the thing is that I never had the opportunity to sit back and listen to his war stories or learn more
about his eight brothers and sisters and his parents. I wanted to know about the farm life and where his mother’s family came from. I wanted to know. I still want to know.

Perhaps I can discover more on my own.

All I know is that if Papa was alive he would have led me the right way without hesitation.

Papa I owe a great deal to you for me being who I am today.

Papa I love you.

Happy Birthday Papa.

Happy Memorial Day to all of the veterans.

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