Dear Great Granddaddy,

First of all, thank you for teaching me what it means to love. You loved your wife, kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of the love you had. The way that you demonstrated this love to those around you taught us to love those around us. We learned from you what it meant to love unconditionally. To you family was family, and no matter what, you stuck by your family's side. Your gift of love to others was truly inspiring, and it will stick with all of us forever.

Secondly, thank you for giving of yourself endlessly. You shared your gifts in so many different ways, and it made an impact on so many people. Between sacrificing for the country during World War II, and giving up your lap for an afternoon nap with your great-grand-kids, you shared so much with so many people. It inspired me to give of all that I have to those in need. I am so thankful that I had such a wonderful person to look up to.

Thirdly, thank you for being a Gideon. Having the courage to share Jesus Christ with so many people inspires me to do the same. I am so thankful for the influence that you had on me. You showed me what it meant to be a true disciple of Christ. Your faith was unwavering, and so inspiring to so many people. I am now going to school to evangelize just like you did. Thank you for the inspiration.

Thank you for believing in me. You believed in all of us and knew of the great potential we all had. I remember Grandma telling me a story of when you received my graduation invitation and you told her, "That girl is going places!" You knew what great potential I had, and you knew that I was going to go accomplish great things. Well, Great-Granddaddy, I'm doing just that for you. Thank you for the encouragement.

Thank you for the watermelon, but more importantly the time well spent. I remember sitting on the front lawn with all of my cousins and you feeding us giant slices of watermelon. It is one of my fondest memories, and I will cherish it forever. But more important than the watermelon, was the time that we got to spend with you and with one another. We had that time to cherish and enjoy with our great-grandfather. It is time that we will never regret. Thank you for the memories.

Finally, thank you for being my hero. These are only some of the reasons that you are my hero, and there are so many more, but you played such an important role in my life and for that I am forever grateful. Thank you for everything that you taught me throughout the years. I am so blessed to have you and Great-Grandmother as a part of my journey.

I love you and miss you everyday!

With Lots of Love,

Shannan