Hi Ma,
It is hard to believe that it has been almost two decades since Papa passed away. So much has happened in my life; in all of your grandchildren's lives that he did not get to experience along with you. Birthdays, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and the births of your great-grandchildren. Such thoughts come to mind on what would have been his 86th birthday today.
Although I was barely out of 5th grade, I remember him well. Not only because I lived with him for most of my childhood, but because he had some interesting little traits about him that made it quite hard to forget.
I know you would agree that Papa was not your typical grandfather. He did not read books, smoking pipes by the fireplace. He did not take me fishing or out for ice cream cones on a hot, summer day.
It seemed like Papa always wore a plain white v-neck shirt with red stripes aligning the sleeves. He was a mechanic who liked to work on cars, especially his bright red Pinto that smelled of oil. I remember how callused his hands were and how he could never really get all the dirt out from under his fingernails. You used to make him scrub with the same cleaning tools we used on the bathroom tiles!
Although it pained you, his vices were Budweiser beer and staying up late. Papa was the life of the party who loved having friends over for no reason at all. Even during some frustrating times, he knew through it all you would stand by his side. He was a stubborn, temperamental man that never backed down from an argument. But you never let him off that easy. You always seemed to balance each other out that even as macho as he wanted to be, you knew he would come home to you. He relied on you to take the can of beer out of his hands, put him into bed and wrap him up in his mustard-yellow blanket to feel safe again.
Yes, Papa did his part to provide for you but you did your best to care for all of us. Now that you two are back together again it is my hopes that the family you left behind will slowly start to do the same.
Miss you both dearly,
Myrnelle
Hi Mama and Papa. I turned 3 years old! My family and friends spent the morning after Thanksgiving partying at Chuck E. Cheese with me. 
My parents and brother, Jordan.
All the kids got a chance to meet Chuck E. Cheese himself! They clapped their hands, stomped their feet and sang, "Happy Birthday to me!"
I can't wait til next year! Miss and love you! 
.JPG)
