On November 6, 2017, we laid my Papa Floyd to rest.

I have been blessed to have never had to experience a funeral until now at age eighteen. I’ve always had the thought that it could never happen to me. “I’ll never lose anyone I love” has often crossed my mind, and now, I know it can happen to anyone even when you least expect it.

As any other teenager or human being, I have been selfish, and I have taken so many things for granted.

While my grandpa was alive, I mistakenly depended on holidays and events to visit. I never realized how I really should’ve been visiting every chance I could and thank God every single day for giving him one more day to live.

My Papa Floyd was a remarkable man who was loved by so many people that I can’t even name. He was a brave soldier who fought for our country in the Vietnam War and a God-fearing man with a testimony that reassures me I’ll see him again one day in heaven. I’ll never forget at Christmas dinners listening to him bless our food, saying the most genuine prayer always leaving me teary eyed. When that man talked, you knew it was coming straight from God.

Even on his worst days while he was aching in his bones, he’d have that sneaky, mischievous grin on his face. That is how I will always remember him... I’m not going to remember the times I looked at him holding back the tears because I knew he was suffering. I’m not going to remember hearing each time he was back in the hospital. I’m not going to remember getting the call from my mom on Friday night to find out my Papa Floyd had passed away.

I am going to count each and every one of my blessings and remember the “Precious Memories” of my Papa Floyd.

Not many people can say their sick grandfather came all the way out to witness their baptism, but me and my siblings sure can. Even though he had to wheel out on an old creek bed, he wouldn't have missed it.

My Papa loved the lord more than anything and he loved his family so much. It’s hard knowing he won’t be at my wedding and he won’t get to meet my children, but he was able to know I’ve got my ticket to go and that’s the most important thing in the world.

Life is too short to take as much for granted as we are all guilty of each day. Times like these really show who your true friends are and that even the family you see once a year or every few years is still there for you no matter what. It’s time to tell the people you care about how much you love them every chance you get.

Now is the time to use your spare time to visit family because who knows how much time you have left with them. Today and every day is a good day to keep your loved ones close and say your prayers more than just when you need something. You can never take even the smallest things for granted because you can’t get them back. Make every second count with the people you love and do it all for the glory of God.

Tonight, as I write this, I can only pray my Papa Floyd already knows these few things I have to say to him:

Papa Floyd,

~ Go Rest High On That Mountain ~ With lots of love, Your “Pretty Girl”