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My Papa, A Small Tribute

kaylaannauthor

On January 14th at 5pm, my Papa heard the call of God and went home to Heaven while surrounded by his wife and family. This last summer, only seven months ago, he was diagnosed with an aggressive lung and bone cancer, and he fought it with all his might. He never gave up, because he loved his family.

My Papa taught me so many things growing up. He taught me the importance of hard work and perseverance. He taught me to stand when I had fallen, he taught me how to laugh even in pain. He taught me how to love. He loved my Nana with a love more evident and true than I have ever seen. He loved her whole-heartedly for nearly 54 years. His love inspires me in my upcoming marriage. His love encourages me to be honest, faithful, true, and full of laughter. I strive to one day have a love similar to that of my Papa and my Nana.

When I was younger, my Papa would ask me to sing in front of his friends because he knew I loved to sing. Later on, he would read my writings, my fiction stories, and always provide feedback on what worked and what could be better. I remember one vacation, he sat on the balcony of our hotel for hours reading my book and telling me “This is good.” Throughout my entire life, he encouraged me and reminded me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. It is because of him that I was brave enough to work on becoming an author.

My Papa will not see me walk down the aisle. He will not read my book when it gets published. But it is BECAUSE of my Papa that I strive for a loving marriage. It is BECAUSE of my Papa that I will keep working toward my goals. His memory will continue to propel me forward and when I see him again in Heaven, we will have a lot to catch up on.

I love you Papa. I will miss you, more so than I can say, but I am so glad you are no longer in pain. I love you.

Published by kaylaannauthor

33 thoughts on “My Papa, A Small Tribute”

  1. I’m so, so sorry. Losing someone we love deeply and who has impacted our lives so significantly is never easy. I was brought to tears reading your story because it reminded me so much of my Grandma. She’s the one I wrote the poem about that I submitted to your end of summer contest. She taught me so many things, and most importantly, she was the one who encouraged me to pursue my dream to write, just as your Papa did for you. I dedicated my novel to her. It’s been almost 6 years since she said goodbye to this world. So I can tell you from my own experience, you will miss him everyday. Some days will be tougher than others. But the truly beautiful thing is that you will see him in so many things you do as you move forward. You will feel him with you on your wedding day, you will know he is reading over your shoulder as you write your stories…you will feel his presence near you when you need him most. It will bring you peace and comfort, even as it brings you sadness. Just know that beautiful things will transpire throughout your grieving process. It will give you hope. I’ll be praying for you and yours through this time.

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    1. Heather, thank you for this lovely note. I cried when I read it because you are so right. Even though I know he is gone and he is in Heaven, I do feel him. I feel his memory whenever I go to his house, I feel his encouragement when I sing, when I write. Thank you for your encouragement and your understanding. Thank you for your prayers.

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