My Papa Don

I know in life you have to take the good with the bad... But also in life things can start off bad
and then turn into something really good. That is if you have a open mind and heart.

That is how it was with Papa Don. My sweet brother Gene and Aaron now both moved on
to the next life were the ones that wanted my MOM and his DAD to get married.
I was not crazy about the idea just for the simple fact that his wife had just died and also had
been married many times. Also that it would be adding 3 more strangers into our group.

But my brothers were determined to become brothers encouraged Mom and Don to date
and then get married. So they then did and that was my first time going out of Moms house
into Grandpa Hanes Basement with me and my Son. (which is another interesting journey
saved for another time)

As years went by I learned that Don would make Mom happy and the New blended family
would and could be fun.. Don was a adventurous, creative and fun to talk with. So I guess
you can say he grew on me and now 21 yrs later I can say he was dear to me.

But this also came to be because of a Forest Glen Church that became another family to
me. Very sweet and down to earth people who LOVED us just the way we were.
Pastor John and Grace now were just not Pastors but Friends to us that became part of
our lives. We went to dinners, plays, movies and even a party at their house.

And with this they also made such a BIG impact on Papa Don that he became a changed
man. He had always been able to talk to people with ease but now he was excited about wanting
to share Jesus with them! He had many health problems and going to dialysis was now another
place that he wanted to share Jesus! I sure do think he made allot of friends along the way.

So now as the night before we do a memorial of his life I hope to remain strong and do
as he wanted to NOT cry and to take care of my mom!

I also keep seeing in my mind him just talking away to everyone and having such a awesome time!
I look forward to that day when we all will be together and enjoy our new lives!