Papa Fred!

Two weeks to the day after my late, great Nana would have turned 75 years young, my late, great Papa would/does share that same distinction today.

I wish I could put into words how my special a role my Papa played/still plays in my life. Though he's not physically here on earth, I know he is always with me (except when I shower), and my family, and knowing that provides us with an extreme measure of comfort.

My Papa Fred was firm but fair - I value his opinion and tried my best to make him proud always. I was always close with my Grandparents, and when my bro and I would call to see how they were/plan a visit, they always told us how much that meant. Truth is, I never did it because I felt obligated; I did it because I love them and loved talking to them.

My Nana and Papa's was the site of my first of glimpses of WWF Wrestling when they baby-sat us way back in 80's.

We always shared a lot of laughs (and drinks), and I like to think I get my ability to joke from him, as he was hilarious! He's the type of guy that would do anything for anyone.

 I really wish he could have been here to meet Michael (or "Billy" as my Papa dubbed him when Amanda was pregnant and unaware of the sex). But again, I know he's watching over us with my Nana and Uncle Mike!

Seeing what him and my Nana went through on their deathbeds were the hardest moments of my life, hands down. I don't wish that on anybody. My Papa was always a strong dude (he had some classic brawls in his day) and an example of that was when he was sick in the hospital we were shooting the breeze and watching the hockey game when he gave me a little "playful" punch on the arm. Needless to say, he packed a punch alright, haha!

Tonight, I am going to gather with some family and friends and share some laughs and drinks - just like I used to with my Papa!

Miss ya, buddy - I'll bring the beers, I'll bring the beers!

Love,

Steve

PS - Happy May! May 1st was always cool in my books as that was the B-day of our also late, great cat, Patches Rudegar Gillon!