A letter to Pop

11/15/10

Pop,

­­            There are so many things I don’t know if I ever had the chance to tell you. It is hard to believe, because of all the time we spent together. Growing up, you and Daddy were a girl’s dream. I knew that there was nothing that I couldn’t talk to you about. There wasn’t anything too big we couldn’t accomplish or do.

            If there is one word that could define our relationship, it would be love. All of the memories that we made I will forever cherish and tell my children.

            Do you remember…?

·        The countless times we went to the park and you pushed me on a swing?

·        The time you carved my initials in the tree?

·        The countless card and domino games we played? (I wish I had a quarter for each one! It would have paid for college, for sure!)

·        All the times on the lawn mower or the tractor in Kentucky?

·        How it seemed like I never got in trouble with you or Gram?

·        Or how you never told me no?

·        When you brought me a bike when I was only three months old?

·        All the times I worried Gram with my scrapes and bruises and you told me to brush it off and go back to climbing the tree or to get on my bike?

Do you remember…?

·        Taking Robbie to the barber shop for all of his hair cuts?

·        How we shared your tee-shirts when I was little?

·        When I would run at you in your chair and you would pick me up over your head?

·        The time you made me drive the Model A, because you were “done” driving for the day and you and Robbie cracked up the whole way back to the house?

·        How you always accepted people just the way they were?

·        Watching me graduate from high school and college twice?

·        Watching me get married and getting another grandson?

·        Coming to New Mexico and staying at my house?

·        When Drew hung the Christmas lights on Queensway. Gram was terrified that he was going to fall off the roof and you just laughed?

·        All the parades you drove the Model A?

·        Working with Robbie in garage?

There are several things I know for sure. I know that you always loved me, you were always proud of me, you always wanted me to succeed, and you always wanted me to reach the goals that I set for myself. Drew loved you more than anything, you meant the world to him and I know you felt the same way about him. You were a family man. When you hugged someone, that person knew that you loved them. You were a man of God. Above all else, I knew you would be there when I needed you. I know you are the best Pop I could have dreamed of… I love you!

-Heather

11-15-10

What a day so far....

I spent my day in the library with the help of Pam. I am attempting to have the kids make Drug Booklet to allow them to inform themselves and inform their classmates of the risks of drug use. I honestly feel as though a few could careless... a few are already experimenting and telling me more information about certain durgs that I could care to hear about from an eighth grader. One student panicked on me and told me they couldn't complete the research on the drug I assigned to them because their mom is in prison due to the manufacturing of the substance. It is at those times that I feel blessed to have my job, because I can influence their life- but discouraged and overwhelmed as to why a parent would make choices that would so mpact that child's life.

At this moment, my grandpa's memorial service is about to close. I know I shouldn't tear myself up about it, but I really hate not being able to there for it. He was so important to me. The burden of not being there for my grandma and having the support of my family during this time is anguishing. I don't feel as though anyone understands or will take enough time to hear me out. This whole issue is just tough. I am praying, hoping, wishing... and whatever else I can do. I guess I just need to wait for God to work and the trial to pass.