Life

Friday we lost my Father in law aka Papa Steve, Papa with the Garrett, Dad (to Aaron) and more titles.  We got a call at 7:25.  Couldn't get to Aaron's phone before Reba (Aaron's sister) hung up, but then my phone rang.  Aaron hung up fast and said "Dad is dying!" I said, WHAT?!  He then explained what he knew at that point, which was this.  He had been at work getting the snow off the scales (he worked for Ellensburg Cement Products) and he collapsed.  Someone saw him and asked him if he was okay, Steve stood up and said yes then collapsed again, never regaining consciousness. 

After 2 hours of working on him, chest compressions, CPR, meds and everything else they realized it was time to stop.  Blessings were given, goodbyes were shared and he was gone. We all believe that he was gone when he collapsed the second time, but of course they had to try their hardest to bring him back.  Unfortunately it was his time to go. 

It was very hard watching him go.  But in some ways fortunate that he did go quickly.  He will be missed for sure.

-I wish he could have seen the kids get older.
-I wish they could have spent more time with him.
-I wish he could have been there to cheer them on with their sports.  He was good at coming to T-ball and I know he would have loved to see Jared wrestle.

But on the other side
-He was there when Aaron and I got sealed.
-He was there when the first Grandchild Jared was born and things were so scary.
-He was also there when the first Granddaughter was born (Allyson.)
-He came over the day we came home from the hospital with Carys and just sat and held her for quite a while.

Some things I think about when I think of Papa Steve.
-He was quite, but he had a sense of humor.  I think that is why him and I got along okay.  Both of us are similar in that regard.  I remember he got me a funny cartoon card with pirates that mooned me.  He CRACKED UP, and knew I would too.  I sure did!

-He knew that I would LOVE an electric blanket so he got me one.  I LOVE IT!

-The funniest memory I have was during Thanksgiving.  He and the rest of the family knows that I have a thing about my food touching.  I don't like my food touching or juices contaminating one food with another.  NOT OKAY!  That Thanksgiving there was a stack of plates for everyone. Normal round plates. Steve surprised me and with a big smile and laughing he said "This is for you!" It was a big oblong plate with partitions.  It was hilarious! I loved it!

-A sweet memory Aaron and I both have is the day he came to the hospital after Jared was born and brought lunch.  He brought himself and Aaron lunch "to have lunch with his grandson" as he put it.

-Another thing I remember that makes me chuckle is the fact that he was scared to hold little Jared when he was brand new.  We finally coaxed him into holding him, but he wouldn't pick him up or walk.  We had to pick him up and put him in his arms.  It took a little while, but he realized that Jared wasn't going to break, and he could hold him.

Here are some pictures going over the last 7 years, (it will be 8 years on Tuesday.)

Aaron with his Mom Carole and Dad Steve

 

Aaron and I with our Parents.

And just FYI

I know the Dads didn't like the Tuxes, but they wore them for me.

Thanks guys!



 

Holding Jared in the Hospital

 

Holding Jared at home.

 

Holding Allyson for the first time.

Look at that smile!

Love at first sight!

 

First time with Carys

 

And just for laughs!

 



All in all he was a great guy, who left earlier than we all expected and or wanted. We will miss you and the times we could have had, but are grateful for the time we did have.