Snapshots of Life: Food and Family: Gramps

With a very heavy heart, my family and I sadly had to say good bye to my grandfather, Travis Waples, on July 2, 2013. It happened very suddenly and was a shock to us all. He was a wonderful and light-hearted man who became a great confidante, friend, and wisdom provider for me during the last few years. I could always count on him to be there to talk, even if it was about absolutely nothing. It was nice to know that he would always pick up the phone and be that ear that was lent to me when I needed to vent or share exciting news.

We became much closer during the past few years, and I'm glad that we had this time to see each other and chat on a more regular basis. It's been very hard for me to go on my walks around the neighborhood or to drive to pick up the boys from daycare, because that was always the time that I would call him. Now, during those times, I have a great emptiness and almost feel lost.

I know that he is in a better place where he doesn't have to worry about doctor's check-ups, which medication he needs to have refilled, or having to watch his diet. That's right, Gramps, you can eat all of the candy, potato chips, and pie that you like...I promise I won't nag you about it anymore. :) I just wasn't quite ready to say good-bye to him.

He prided himself in making it to 80 years old (he turned 80 on May 16, 2013) because that was the oldest anybody in his family had ever lived. (He also said that since he turned 80, that he could drive 80 miles per hour on the highway....I told him that may not be the best idea....he was a sassy old guy.)

There's so many wishes that I have for him (#1 being that I wish he could have met William in person) and so many things that I wished I could have told him before he passed. The wishes are endless. However, I am comforted in the fact that I know that the last time I talked to him, on June 19, that I said that I loved him so much.

We'll go back to Hannibal, Missouri soon to lay him to rest next to my grandmother, Joyce. I miss him and her so much. Rest in peace, Gramps. I love you so much.

Here's a couple of pics of my grandpa in better times: