Pawka's last days and the weeks following his death

I am so thankful that we were able to share some wonderful moments with my dad prior to his death.

When we knew that his death was approaching quickly, we decided it was time for him to tell Trey that he was going to heaven soon. Trey has never been good at showing emotion, but when Pawka gave him his cross he buried his head into Nanny and the tears came.

The little ones helped Nanny to bathe Pawka. I hope this picture helps them to remember how much they loved and cared for their Pawka.

The church's Praise Team came over and Pastor D led us in a number or songs, one Ancient Days was played at the memorial service at Pawka's request. It was a beautiful, powerful time of worship and sorrow.

On July 3rd, my mom, Nathan and I told Bryce that Pawka was not going to get better. We explained the best we could that he was going to go to heaven soon to be with Jesus. At the time, we didn't realize how soon. I'm very thankful we prepared Bryce as much as possible before his death.

Betty Lou's birthday is July 3rd, so on the 4th, after the Mortuary took Pawka's body away, we celebrated. We knew Dad would want us to, and the kids were looking forward to cake and ice cream.

The week after Pawka died was very difficult to say the least. Juli and the kids stayed for the week in order for us all to be together and to help with the arrangements for his cremation and memorial service. It was a crowded house, as Nathan and I and the kids were also staying with Nanny. In order to try and give the kids some normalcy, we spent a morning playing mini-golf and having Mary's Pizza for lunch. This helped to brighten everyone's spirits and was a much needed break for us from all the service preparations.

Following Dad's memorial service family and friends came over to continue celebrating his life. Thank God for such a wonderful group of people.

We tried as much as possible to have a bit of normalcy for us and for the kids. Our friends and family surrounded us and spent a lot of time at the house with us. There are various pictures of our "new normal."