Hero

Hi, everyone!

I know it's been a good minute since I've written, but it's been a busy and bittersweet time for my family and me.

My grandaddy, best friend, mentor, and life coach was called home to heaven last week. He had been sick with cancer these past few years and blind from glaucoma and macular degeneration. However, the cancer did NOT win. Death did NOT win. He is with Jesus and my nana, and I know he was welcomed at the gates with open arms.

My grandaddy has taught me so much, and I honestly cannot imagine a world without him. The good news is that this separation is only temporary- thank you, Jesus! Still, there is a huge hole in my heart. Today, I want to share my top ten best "Grandaddy-isms" that I always try to live by. Trust me, there are billions more, but I don't think the blog could hold them.

Grandaddy's Words of Wisdom:

1. Always speak to people, whether you know them or not. Say "hello."

2. Don't ever let other people control your mind.

3. Do the best you can and move on.

4. Don't take shortcuts in life.

5. You've got to help God some. Don't sit on your bottom and expect it to be handed to you. He will meet you halfway.

6. (About toxic people)- Feel sorry for them and pray for them from afar.

7. The key to growing old is two things: chocolate and coffee.

8. Never drive in the rain with your cruise control on.

9. There is always something good in every day.

10. Always be kind to animals.

Thank you so much, Grandaddy, for always listening to me and for understanding me better than I knew myself. Because of you, I am a much better person. You were a bright light in this dark world, and I promise to follow in your footsteps and do my best to carry out your legacy.

Friends, if you are fortunate to still have your grandparents, spend time with them, hug them, call them, tell them how much they mean to you. As Tim McGraw best put it, "visit grandpa every chance that you get; it won't be wasted time" and just like Grandaddy, "ALWAYS stay humble and kind."

Love always,

-Amy (a.k.a. Grandaddy's "Baby Jaybird")