I Love you as big as the sky!!!

February has proven to be quite a month. This is the month that we lost a wonderful man. My Daddy passed away and went to heaven on February 18th at 7:05pm. He had been in the hospital for 2 weeks with suspected pneumonia/infection/cancer growth in the lungs. After trying everything they could the doctors knew that there was nothing that they could do. Dad was able to come home with hospice on Thursday afternoon February 17th. You could tell that he was happy to be home where he felt comfortable. A little over 24 hours later, we all stood around him holding his hand, praying with him, and telling him we loved him while he got ready to enter the kingdom of heaven. My Mom was so wonderful by his side. I admire her strength and courage. Dad went very peacefully and was in no pain. While it is very difficult to pick up the pieces, I praise God daily that my sweet daddy is no longer hurting, and struggling for every breath. Instead, he is up in heaven praising God. I know that if he had the choice to come back here he would say, "are you crazy"? (In his goofy voice). My Dad is eternally happy and healthy and for that I am so very thankful to God. After all, for Christians death is not death, but life.

That still doesn't take away the pain and sorrow. I miss him so so much. Matt and I have cried many tears over him because he is truly one of a kind. No one will ever be quite like my Daddy. He made every vacation exciting and always could make anyone laugh. He was a great husband to my sweet Mom and a wonderful Dad to Lindsey and I. I am so blessed to have a wonderful family. Before he passed away, I told my Dad that I would much rather have him as my Dad for a shorter time, than anyone else for a long long time. It's true. My Dad was a blessing to me.

My Dad was also a blessing to Matt. Matt has known my Dad since 10th grade in high school. My dad helped shape Matt into the man that he is today. My mom always reminds me of how quiet and shy Matt used to be. Well if you know my Dad you can understand how foreign the words "quiet and shy" are. Matt and my Dad bonded so much over the years and Matt came out of his shell, and the words "quiet and shy" were out the window. My Dad introduced Matt to so many people in the flying community and helped Matt to create friendships that he will cherish always. My dad called Matt "The Boy", and loved him like his very own. He always told me that Matt is the son he never had. Dad was so proud of Matt and all of his accomplishments. My parents came to Del Rio so many times to show their love and support for him. My Dad was such a comfort to Matt on assignment night in Del Rio when things didn't go the way that Matt wanted them to. I'm so glad my Dad was there to cheer him up and give him advice. I feel so blessed that my husband was able to know my Dad so well and that they developed such a close relationship so quickly. At my Dad's viewing, I had several people come up to me and say, "now where is your husband Matt? Your Daddy talked about him so much and with such pride that I just have to meet this guy". I just love that so much. I have told Matt many times that I'm so glad he knew my Dad like I did, because if he didn't he may not totally understand me. The relationship that Matt and my Dad shared as son/father-in-law was something rare. Matt and I will cherish that always.

I will also cherish the 8 months that my Dad was able to be a Pap to Callie. When I first learned of the severity of Dad's cancer I was mad. Mad because he is the most Grandpa type person I have ever met. He has talked about being a Grandpa ever since he knew Matt and I were getting married. I didn't expect that Dad would get the opportunity to meet any of our children, but I am thankful that God kept him here long enough to see his little grandbaby grow. If you thought that Matt was my Dad's pride and joy.... you were right until little Miss Callie came along! Sorry Matt! Haha! I will cherish the pictures and videos that I have of those two for the rest of my life. I know that when Callie gets a little older she will love seeing her "Pap" hug and love on her. He always told Callie that he loved her "As big as the sky". She will probably laugh at the picture of him giving her the very first french fry of her life. (I let that one slide, but Callie knows that it was a special treat, and will not be available to her for a very long time)... haha. He loved her so much. It was something special to see.

My Dad was such an awesome person. He was goofy, had nicknames for everyone and had a great life. He was not afraid to tell all types of people about Jesus. Dad told people about Jesus that many Christians wouldn't even talk to. My Dad made friends with just about everyone and that's something that I really admire about him. I hate that he had to get cancer, and leave this world at such a young age, but I have hope that I will see him again in heaven someday. Whenever I miss my Dad, I will remember what he told me in a note that he gave to me on my wedding day: "No matter where you are or how old you are, remember when you lay your head down at night, Erin Daddy loves you! Erin daddy loves you!" Dad always whispered that to me as a kid and I still love it as an adult.

It's bittersweet. Even though we lost Dad I know that he is happy and free from pain. We will miss him forever, and I still can't believe that he's gone. He was the best Dad in the whole wide world and will never be forgotten. Thank you to all of you for the kind words and prayers during this hard time. It was awesome to see how many people came to his funeral and viewing. It is a testament to what a great guy he was and how much he will be missed. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. My Mom lost her Dad 11 days after she lost her husband on March 1st. My Pawpaw had been struggling with colon cancer. It's been hard, but we continue to lean on God and trust in his plan. Here are some pictures of my sweet 8 1/2 month old baby. She sure has been a bright spot in all of this. Love to you all!

Erin

Callie meets her Great Great Aunt Dana! Look how excited she was!!

Callie loves her Great Papa. I think that her Great Granny is quite proud! Callie loves her so much! Kally with Callie! Obviously this was quite exciting for both of them! Callie always wanted her Great Papa to hold her. Love it. Grammie reads stories the best!!

Grammie's sweetie on Valentine's Day!

Matt and Daddy share a hug. This picture sums it up.

Pap feeding his Grandbaby her very first French Fry. (I think he also gave her a small taste of banana pudding when I had by back turned haha).

One more French Fry!

The last picture of all four of us. Miss you Daddy and I love you big as the sky!