Wooden Nickels.

Grandpa has always been a hero to me. From the money he slipped me when I went away to college, to the times he told me my teeth were falling out because I was kissing boys, there really never was a boring moment around him (even when he fell asleep watching golf... or in Washington D.C... because we all got a good laugh out of it :-) ) . I'll cherish forever Sunday morning dates at Harold's, and all the times I’d sleepover at Grandma and Grandpa with some assortment of cousins. We always begged for his nightshirts, and he’d give away every single one. Plus, he’d always sneak bites of my cinnamon toast when grandma wasn’t looking!

My absolute favorite memory of Grandpa is seeing him seated at the head of the table on Thanksgiving, cursing over the sound of everyone in our family talking at once. It was just so… him! I never grew out of his bear hugs, and whenever I made him laugh, there are few things that matched how proud I’d feel. He’s a complete and total teddy bear, curse words and raspy voice included. I can’t believe how lucky I am.

I’m sad because I miss my hero, but I am so beyond overjoyed that he’s in the most comfortable chair, napping in true fashion. He’s playing rounds of golf and telling God all about the family he loves, and bragging despite the fact that God already knows how very blessed we all are. It’s hard for me to get too down when I have his voice in my ear telling me that he’s proud of what I’m doing with my life.
Grandpa, thank you for my family. Thank you for my wonderful mother who is more inspiring and bubbly than anyone I’ve ever met, and for being who you are so she fell in love with a man so much like yourself, my dad, who motivates me and leads me to be successful.

Because of you, I have 5 aunts and uncles and so many cousins that love each other unconditionally. This family has a passion for life, and we’re unafraid to express it as loudly as possible. I couldn’t be more thankful that I never have to know life without such an amazing, positive influence. I owe my 19 years of wonderful, happy life to you, Grandpa. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and I’ll continue to listen for your voice in my ears. I’m going to live every second of my life for you, appreciate every single breath, because that’s exactly what you did.

Tell God I said thanks, and try not to pull too many pranks on the angels. I’ll miss you every day. I love you. Don’t take any wooden nickels. :- )

In loving memory of Paul Edward Lewis.