We used to have 5 generations of family alive. My great-grandmother, my grandma, Papa, me and my kids. My dad died in 1995 and not long after that his grandmother died and just this past November my grandma passed away. That leaves me as the oldest generation on that side of the family. How the hell did that happen? I don't remember graduating up from the "kids' table", much less to the head of the family.
Here is a little retrospective of my Papa through the years. The first is of he and I when I was 4 1/2 months old (apparently my mama was quite specific about the age I was in my baby pics) and this would have been right after his 21st birthday. My son and 2 of my nephews really favor Papa and while I look a lot like him, I am a little more like my grandma.
This next one is a picture of my dad from before I was born that was in my house all my life. It was in one of those double frames hinged together in the middle with another photo of my mama from about the same time period in the other side. So he must have been about 18 when this was taken. You can tell that he had very dark hair, but what you can't see is that he had the most beautiful shade of dark navy blue eyes. All those good black Irish genes coming through!
This next one is from 1985 and is of my dad and my son together. That day he had just popped over in the middle of the day to visit and get to hold Jonathon. See how his shirt pockets are stuffed with papers on the right side and his left one has a pen? Every day he loaded up his shirt pockets and that was how he stayed organized.
Look at them here really talking and looking like they connected and understood each other. So sweet it melts my heart.
And finally here is one of 4 generations; my grandma holding my baby, me and Papa.
Happy Birthday Papa. I miss you every day.
Oh, Lisa. 57 is way too young for a Papa to pass. I'm sorry he was taken away from you so soon.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures have stories to tell. Love the conversation between your son and your dad.
I know how you feel being the oldest generation. My grandfathers died well before I was born, grandmothers died when I was in hs, and parents died when I was in my 40s. I was stunned that I was next. That pic of them talking is precious. Just Precious! He was a handsome man.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice post. You've reminded me that I haven't talked to my dad in a week or two. I'm going to call him now, just to say I Love You. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Papa. Heartbreaking to read, but I love the glimpse you give into the blessed time he spent on earth.
ReplyDeleteGosh Jonathan really does look a lot like him!! So handsome!!!
ReplyDeleteYour Papa was so handsome. Why is it that the best ones are taken too early? 57 is way too young.
ReplyDeleteAnd the pockets stuffed with papers and a pen, struck me right in the heart. My dad never went anywhere without his papers and his pen, sticking out of the top of his pocket. I had forgotten that.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful family pictures.