Goodbye Grandpa.

It is hard to put into words how I feel, but I want to express my love and appreciation for one of my biggest cheerleaders, whom I lost from this world. On March 31st, I not only lost a grandpa, but a friend, a college roommate, a confidant, and a groupie. During one of the most challenging and rewarding times in my life I had the pleasure of living with him. He was one of the loudest fans cheering in my corner as I went through some tough trials. After living with him we shared a very special bond, a bond that carried over to my wife and children. I enjoyed seeing my children spend time with him and enjoy the natural bond they were born into. 

His faith, love, and support has influenced my life, my family, and my future. He helped cultivate spiritual seeds in my life and he helped guide me to the testimony I enjoy today. He was known for his booming voice, but I witnessed tender and teary nudges that only few ever saw. I love him and look forward to the time I can see him again. 

He liked to see me run but really only if I would win. Recently, he wanted to watch me run a 10K and I told him it was a long run not like what I did years ago. He said he didn’t mind and that he'd wait at the finish line for when I won. I told him that I don’t win these races. He then asked why I even ran them; and honestly that is a great question, Grandpa. Point is that I’m

still in this race and I will meet you at the finish line when I win! Love you Grandpa. - Jed

Little Grandpa, do you remember how you got that funny name? When Little C and I married into the family he knew he had two new Patton grandpas, but one was big and one was small. So he deemed you Little Grandpa and your son was Big Grandpa.

Here are some things I will cherish about you forever:

1. Your love for you chi machine. It could fix any ailment.

2. Your love for my babies. Big and small. You forever made each one feel like a mighty treasure.

3. Your willingness to be my grandpa. I hadn't had one in a while. I hadn't had any grandparents actually in a long, long time. Thank you for filling that role beyond measure.

4.Every time I saw you, you would say, "Jed's my boy." And you were happy that he had found a "good one".

5.You cried almost every time we pulled out of the driveway because your posterity was one of your two very favorite things.

6.But your first favorite thing was the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for belting out hymns with that beautiful, southern, off-tune voice. It was music to my soul.

7.My last conversation with you I said, "Grandpa, I love your blue tie, it really makes your eyes pop." And your 94 year old self said, "That's the idea.":)

Thank you for being a constant in our lives. Thanks for letting Jed be your boy.

Love you, Little Grandpa - Cammy

Sweetrotten wearing Little Grandpa's hat and jacket.

Another one of Grandpa's hat models. 

Helping with fire works.