He had been sick for a while. He had for all real purposes been lost to us for quite some time. He had drifted away into a place where we could no longer reach him. I could not bear to see him like that. A fantasy world that I hope was a pleasant and peaceful place. For those of us left here it was devastating to have him here physically but unreachable mentally. In my mind's eye, he will always be a big, healthy, happy person. His voice matched his size, and for the life of me I could never shake the resemblance he had to the fictional "Santa Claus." Big and Jolly!
I have memories of him from as far back as I am capable of remembering. He was always there. As a little girl, he delighted me with all sorts of whimsical adventures. Hop in the van and just see where he ends up! There was the open window, the many people he would encounter and speak to, the silly songs he would sing and the questions that had no real necessity. His chatter was just for fun, and if ever there might happen to be a garage sale wellllll.... we would have to stop by and just see what was there. He never failed to find a treasure for someone. I have that silliness to me too, and I love it. It is one of my favorite traits in me. Thank you, Poppy.
As I got older, I learned what a respected man he was. My Dad thought the world of his father and that carried over into me. Poppy was a family man, and he instilled responsibility and pride in my dad. That is a commendable task for any father to pass on to his son.
He was always good to me. Genuinely happy to see me. Proud of me. That was something very special to me. I hope he saw in me the good things he had every part of helping me to be. I am strong and strong willed, and as I grew away from being that little girl, he had a hard time allowing me to grow up. It 's hard to let the babies fly from the nest. I, being of that strong will, however, flopped myself right out and flew. Can't say that I never clipped a tree or took a nose dive or two but all in all I think Poppy would have to say that he could sit back be proud of the person I have become. He was very much a part of that. Thank you, Poppy.
When I had my first son, he became Poppy's namesake. My tribute to him. My heartfelt expression of the respect and love I carry for him. My son now knows the respect and love I have for my Poppy. He knows why he is named and he has pride in that name. That makes me happy. It makes me feel like life goes on and the world continues to spin.
In death Poppy re-gained who he was. No longer trapped in a body that prohibited who he was. No longer a prisoner to the limitations of his age and this world. Even though this world seems a little too empty and my heart feels a bit too broken- I have to find peace and joy in the return of Poppy's essence. He has victory over becoming a victim of age and being human. Maybe I am silly, but I feel the return of his former vitality in the air around me.
In every cell of my body, there is admiration, respect, and love for you Poppy. You will forever be a part of me. I love you, and I am happy for you. You are free.
