Your Papa

Alena, Lauren and Caleb, I wanted to make a post telling you all about your Papa, my father.  After my dad passed, your grandma and I were down in her basement going through old pictures.  We found a typed letter she had written for me and Uncle Jason. This letter detailed who my grandmother was (grandma Joyce’s mom), and was written by my mom. Grandma Meis passed away in her 50s.  Before I was even born. My mom wanted a way for us to remember her and I want to do the same for all of you.

I am so blessed that you were able to make many, many memories with Papa. I hope that you will remember these memories and special moments.  Although he wasn’t around for much of your life, we are so blessed he was able to be part of your lives. I took as many pictures as I could but it is never enough.

I thought I would take this time to explain to you who Papa was to me as a dad and what I think he meant to you as a grandfather.  He loved you guys more than you can imagine!

I remember Papa being a very present dad for me.  He didn’t miss many of my sporting events and was always the one who was videotaping me or taking pictures.  He was the quiet one in the stands while Grandma was the one cheering at me from the stands.  I remember hours and hours of playing softball in our backyard on the acreage.  We also shot a lot of baskets on the driveway and played drive way tennis until the net was too broken to fix.  If you couldn’t find my dad, he was outside.  He loved his average and his Christmas tree farm. Every year he sheared each tree by hand and I remember pulling weeds between the rows for a $1 a row. He had two huge gardens. Throughout the summer my brother and I would have the task of picking green beans or strawberries.  I never enjoyed any of it but looking back I should have been grateful for this.  Fresh picked vegetables are amazing. I am so hopeful our garden is successful this summer and you all enjoy being a part of it. Of course, a garden isn’t a garden without strawberries so those will be planted for sure!

As you all remember, Papa could cook and bake.  I will miss his special pancakes the most. Even after I was married and the 3 of you came along, I would secretly find a way to spend the night at Grandma and Papa’s so he could make us pancakes in the morning.  He loved being in the kitchen. I hope all of you enjoy cooking and baking as well.  It’s so fun to be able to make something delicious for other people.  My dad hardly ever visited someone without bringing a yummy dessert.

Weeklong trips to Minnesota were so memorable.  As a child I just loved being with my cousins, fishing, tubing, playing in the water and eating/drinking special things we didn’t normally get to have.  This was Papa’s element.  He was the most patient individual and as we know, fishing takes patience.  I’m not sure how patient he was with me after I threw my pole in the water when I was little as I “was done fishing.”  I regret never learning how to filet a fish or do a fish fry.  I am proud that I can bait a hook, add luers and bobbers to my pole and I learned the special fishing knot :).  Last summer the 5 of us, along with Papa and Grandma went fishing at Big Creek. This lake is very special to Papa as he spent many days fishing here and this was where I often went fishing when I was growing up.  Papa lost his wedding ring in that lake.  When we went last summer, it was a beautiful day. We had a picnic lunch on the boat and then played on the beach.  Not a single fish was caught but I am so glad we were able to do that. I just remember having this premonition that Papa wasn’t going to be around much longer and am glad we were able to fit in that day of fishing. We are planning to plant a tree at Big Creek in memory of dad that will have a plaque.  I’m looking forward to visiting this tree over the years and some day bringing your children there as well.

Papa loved his grandchildren more than I can ever explain.  I don’t think he ever expected to be blessed with 6 grandchildren.  Alena, Papa was so proud of you and was at our home the day dad and I came home from the hospital with you.  He wasn’t able to be at the hospital when you were born as he was out of town but from that moment on, he was as present as he could be.  He wanted to help in any way possible. I remember the day we got home from the hospital, leaving you with Papa for a couple hours while dad and I went to buy you more clothes.  We didn’t know your gender so had very few clothes for you. He was there when we did your firth bath at home, in the kitchen sink.  He held you in his big hands and you felt so comfortable there you always quickly fell asleep.  As you grew up, he would take your hand and walk you around his acreage, between pine trees, you yelling "duck your head," as you ventured between some tight spots.  I have images of us vacationing in California, you and Addie, each 2 years old, each holding on to one of dad's fingers as you walked with him.  He was always right where we needed him. As you grew up and started doing sports, Papa wanted to come to as many sporting events as possible. He loved watching any sport but I believe he especially enjoyed watching you play softball. Many times, he would be at one of your softball games, needing to hook up his TPN. He would go to his vehicle, hook up, and then return to your game.  His adaptation is definitely something we can all learn from. Alena, Papa was so proud of you and always told us that he knew you were going to be a smart, athletic, tall, very special girl.

Lauren, Papa was at the hospital you were born.  He made countless trips to the NICU while you had your two week stay there. He wanted to be present and help in any way he could.  One of my favorite pictures of you two if when he is feeding you a little bottle in the NICU; your pink hat covering your head, his hand engulfing your little head while he is smiling down at you.  I named you after Papa, with Wray being your middle name.  He loved your spunk, sassiness and smile.  I think he knew you would give your dad and I a run for our money as the years went by and he wanted to be around to see that.  You always loved sitting on his lap and playing with Papa. What a very special relationship you two had.

Caleb, you were Papa's first grandson which was very special to him I believe.  He adored you and although I know grandparents don't choose favorites, but at times you were probably Papa's favorite.  I have countless memories of you and Papa putting puzzles together. First it was the large wooden puzzles with knobs, then you would progress to large floor puzzles and eventually as you got older, real puzzles that we used Papa's puzzle boards for.  Some of your favorite moments were going to ISU basketball games with Papa.  Enjoying one of Papa's most favorite things with him was definitely something special. When you and Lauren came home from the NICU, (2 days apart), he came down to Urbandale to spend time with you and help me. We decided to venture to the park so loaded both of you into your car seats and stroller while Alena walked along side, and we walked to our nearby park.  He was always so proud of you as well and I know he knew you would do amazing things as you got older.

Not a day goes by when I don't think about Papa and everything he is missing here on Earth. I have to believe he is watching down on us, watching us, seeing you smile and succeed in life.  An amazing person left us too soon but our memories will forever be with us.