Heaven's soon-to-be angel 0:)

Last night I was trying to list all the things I am thankful for...& I realized that they never taught me to count that high in school.  It began like the typical "thankfulness list." Family. Friends. Boyfriend. House. Clothes. Education. Heat. Air Conditioner. Life. and then I started getting down to the nitty gritty.  What exactly about my family am I thankful for? So many ideas run through this crazy mind of mine, about my parents, my siblings, family reunions, family who wouldn't talk to me if I were the last person left in this world, but the one thing that stuck out in my mind was my Papa.  Never have I met a man like him.  I have always loved my Papa and he always loved his little "Bubbles," home videos state this is a fact. My fondest memories of us together lie in the Great Smokey Mountains, where we spent atleast a week every summer for as far back as I can remember.  He loved the view mostly. The air. The quietness. The excitement on us kid's faces.  But now, Papa isn't able to really go anywhere.  Recliner, bathroom, bed, envelopes his routine these days.  Oh how he lones to be in those hills.  A special thing I love about my Papa is that while he loves the Lord and is very religious, never once has he tried to shove anything down my throat.  He knows that I understand what I need to know, that I know right from wrong, and that I know whose kingdom I need to be seeking.  So, he leaves it at that.  Enough said.  He doesn't push and push until I turn away, as others have done.  A smile will never cease to form on your face in his presence.  He's full of joy and happiness, he's proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grands.  Despite all our many different paths in life he gives us all credit and loves each and every one of us just the same.  I feel the tears gentley flowing from the back of my eyelids as I begin to realize that soon and very soon, memories is all I am going to have left of my Papa.  That wonderful man is getting prepared to sit by our Father in Heaven.  As hard as it is to accept, and as bad as I don't want to see him go, I know he will be happier walking those streets of gold (maybe they will even have a few mountains there just for him...) Just the other day he told me "I just don't want to leave Granny and you youngins," the only thing I could think of to say was "Papa you ain't goin no where I ain't rich and married yet!"  He just smiled while his eyes told me that no joke was gonna be able to stop the journey that lies ahead.  I am not sure why out of all the family he chose to sit me down and prepare me for what's next, but he did.  He's covered in so many bruises and he shows them off like their nothing, like a soldier in battle would be proud of his wounds.  But to me, it hurts.  My Papa has been a good man, a good husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and a good friend to many people.  I am trying to find a source of acceptance.  I know so many other people have had to deal with this at some point in time...but I have never experienced death.  No one close to me has ever passed away, and for this I am very thankful.

Note to God:

When you decide that my Papa should be your angel, would you please send down some extra care for me. I love him with all my heart, and I thank you for giving me 19 years with him (and I'd sure love many more if you see fit!)  He deserves to sit at the right hand of your throne.   <3