RIP Papa

I always remind myself how lucky I am to have had all of my grandparents my entire life, they have all been so involved and such a huge part of everything I am and have done!  Even when they live to be 90, it's still hard to watch them go.  If I could sign up right now to live 90 years, in my house, driving my car, and going out to dinner every night with my spouse (until Gma was put in a home 3 months ago), and not having to suffer from disease or illness, I absolutely would sign on the dotted line!  Papa was his usual on fire and flirtatious self on December 23rd when we all went out for "cousins dinner."  We got the call the day after Christmas that he was in the hospital, he went home to Patty's to be comfortable on Wednesday, and passed away this morning.  While at Patty's he was visited by so many that care about him and Saturday night all of his kids and grandkids were at Pattys spending time with him until very late at night.  We all sat by him, held his hand, told him how great he did, how much he was loved, and it was okay to do whatever it was he needed to do!  It was the perfect night, he passed away in comfort and knowing that everyone loved him! 

Some of my favorite memories were him chasing me around the house, yard, and cars every time we left the house when I was little, playing "I got you last."  I was sure to give him a little I got you last tap when I left him last night.  He always had root beer in his fridge for me every time I was over there.  When I was super little we did Christmas Eve at Gma and Papa's house every year.  It was always such a fun time, Patty's friends all came by and Papa was the bartender.  Then we would always sing Grandma got run over by a reindeer.  Papa was the master griller and introduced everyone to pork roll, which we would probably be better off not have ever trying- gross!  Then he would drive Chris and I around his yard in this trailer thinggy attached to his riding mower.  Papa was literally the most hysterical person I have ever met, up until his very last word, always full of it and made people laugh.  He was the leader of the Parker fam and his legacy will live on forever.  He will be truly missed but we know he is having a beer with George now and watching over all of us.  Love you Papa!!

Grandma and Papa at the Hospice Gala 2007

4 Generations

Parkers - Chris and Jen's Wedding 10/13/2012

Dad and Papa

Ask me about my Grandchildren