We miss you Poppy.

On Thanksgiving morning, November 26, Mike's Grandfather and Samuel's Great Grandfather and namesake, Poppy, passed away. He was 93! He had not been feeling well and went into the hospital the night before feeling very ill and weak. It still came as a shock to us when we heard he had passed. And I think we are still in shock that he is truly gone.

It was an emotional day for all of us and on a day when you are supposed to be giving "thanks" it was hard not to be sad. Mike and I were so thankful that Poppy and Samuel got to meet one another. Grandparents have special relationships with their Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren and that was definitely the case with Mike and Samuel's relationship with Poppy.

We spent every Sunday with Poppy, Bobby, LuLu and Grandpa Guy and we looked forward to it every weekend. Mike and Poppy almost always spent time out on the porch talking about anything and everything, while Poppy enjoyed a cigar. Mike taught him a lot about baseball and Poppy would share his views on politics, money, medicine and love. Yes, love! I'd say Poppy knew a thing or two about it after being married to his lovely bride for 66 years.

Poppy was always amazed at how much Samuel would change from one week to the next and how Bobby could always get him to smile at her. I know he loved Samuel and he always praised Mike and I for being good parents. That really meant a lot to us being new parents since most the time we felt like we had no idea what we were doing. Poppy always made me feel like I was one of his granddaughters and that means more to me than he will ever know.

I know Samuel won't remember Poppy but the joy that he brought to his Great Grandfather fills my heart with joy and my eyes with tears every time I think about it.

As I said, the relationships between Grandparents and their Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren are so unique and special. Naturally, we don't see them as their children or other family members do. The love and knowledge that they give us is far different than what we get out of other relationships. Mike and I hope that some day our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren will love and respect us as much as we love and respect them.

We think of Poppy often and know that we will see him again! We love you Poppy.