Granddaddy

A big reason why I haven't blogged much lately is because Ben's grandfather passed away.  

(dancing at our wedding.... the life of the party)

Granddaddy had surgery on his back & then the Monday after my friend Erin's wedding, we got a phone call from Ben's mom letting us know that he wasn't doing well.  We immediately left Mobile & headed up to see them, but Granddaddy passed away that afternoon, Monday June 28, before we got to the hospital.  

This was very unexpected and to say it has been difficult is an understatement.  However, the celebration of Granddaddy's life over the next week was amazing.  The visitation was Wednesday & funeral/burial was Thursday July 1st & the whole family came from out of town to gather.  

I have been a part of Ben's family for almost 9 years now & Granddaddy embraced me as his very own Granddaughter from the very beginning (I don't have any living grandparents except Ben's since my Granny & Grandfather passed away, as well).  He has been calling me "Princess" since I first started dating Ben & called Ben "Champ" his whole life. 

Ben's Grandmother is such a rock & is so strong after losing her love & partner through the last 63 years of life.  I was in charge of & made a slideshow of all the pictures of granddaddy we could gather together to show at the events.  Everyone loved it & the stories go on and on of what an incredible man he was.  He will certainly be missed & we will forever be sharing stories & memories from his life.  

Cousin Julie & Jerry's son Miles celebrated his 1st birthday on Wednesday while we were all in town so we got together with a cake & sang Happy Birthday.

Smiles & laughs with the kids were a good distraction

Leigh REALLY enjoyed the blue icing

Grandmother & Granddaddy's Flag flying at half mast


Robert Lee (Bob) Faulkner

October 23, 1924- June 28, 2010

This poem from his program truly expresses what I think he would say to us now:

“A Fallen Limb”

A limb has fallen from a family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says,

grieve not for me.

Remember the best times,

the laughter, the songs,

the good life I lived

while I was strong.

Continue my heritage

I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and

surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease,

My soul is at rest,

remembering all how I

was truly blessed.

Continue traditions,

no matter how small,

go on with your life,

don’t just stare at the wall.

I miss you all dearly,

so keep up your chin

until the day comes we are

together again.