Grandpa

My grandpa died this past weekend. Doc Adams was a great man who lived a long and full life.

Everyone has many stories to tell about him and the kind of person he was, especially since he and my grandmother were such a huge part of the community.

Here's what one lady had to say and I think it says so much about who Grandpa was, better than I can say right now.

"Many memories fill my heart today of the busy, friendly man that sold you a tank of gas for less than $10. You received much more...the wonderful greeting and a smile...the weather forecast maybe...check under the hood...clean windshield...a place to eat lunch...visit with friends and neighbors...meet someone new...read the paper...look at the wall of photos...catch up on the Adams family... Ms Lura's visit ... play with the cat. If you had timed it right, some homemade pie or fudge from Ms Betty. If you were lucky you got to go back to the house, where the kitchen was always smelling good...you got a plate of goodies to go and a bouquet of flowers. The children always left with a sucker in their hands and a goodbye, come back to see me... I always stopped everyday, I had their mail. Some days I made several trips back with a steaming radiator or a leaking tire. Doc gave me all his attention and got me back on my mail route. 

He was a friend that listened to your stories and gave you a nod and a smile. On occasion a little humorous reply to lighten the moment. You can't go east or west on Lebanon Rd that you wouldn't stop or get a wave. I could write page after page of stories, we all have them about this good fella...

I am so fortunate to have been a friend of Doc Adams. He watched me grow up and be apart of my children's lives, birthday parties, graduations, weddings and special times. I can truly say he made a difference in my life.I always felt like family. He will be missed, but he will be remembered... that is the most important thing ...the good memories. I said my goodbye to Doc in the hospital, he knew me and couldn't really say goodbye, but I saw it in his eyes. He was ready to leave."

Grandpa always had a story to tell and something to show you. Even this past Christmas, when Grandpa wasn't in the best of health, he still had some more stories left to tell and a couple of things to show me.

I'm thankful that I got to grow up with a kind, generous Grandpa who always made sure that I knew that he loved me and that he was proud of me.

So tonight, as we prepare to go to Tennessee to celebrate his life, I hear his voice singing to me like he used to do on the phone, "Amy Lou, I love you."

I love you too, Grandpa.