PAWPAW'S MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 2
Connor,
Bryson and Archer,
Pawpaw
loves you and misses you. These messages will spend a little time explaining
why I disappeared from your childhood. Then, I want to share who your Pawpaw is
and things about the history of your ancestors. Since I am not allowed to see
you, I hope that some day you’ll find these messages when you are adults.
As I said
previously, from the days you were born, I spent usually a week every month
with you. When I visited or you visited me, Connor and Bryson, you always
begged your Mom and Dad to sleep with me. We either all slept in the same bed
together or on the floor together. Before you were old enough for school, I
held you in my arms and you napped on my chest. Bryson, when Connor went to school,
we would play on the trampoline (you called it jump-jump) in your back yard.
Then you’d get your blankie and we lie down on the trampoline and take a nap
together.
Your Mom and I always had a fabulous relationship. People often commented that they had never seen a father and daughter that were so close or who enjoyed being together more than we did. I loved and respected your Dad too.
In 2016,
they fell under the spell of a career con man running for President named
Trump. They even flew a six foot long flag in their front yard with his name on
it. They often shared messages supporting him. I often shared messages against
his policies and business dealings. When he lost the 2020 election, I was told
that my support of his opponent seemed offensive to your parents.
Your Mom and Dad had joined and were attending a church that had no affiliation or oversight. The minister was an ex-cop with no training or education as a minister. His preaching was mostly political. If he used the Bible, it was only out of context to support his political beliefs. He even supported the January 2020 insurrection where hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the US Capital Building. Several law enforcement officers died. I was concerned about the influence this “minister” had on your parents.
The year
2020 was also the year of the international COVID19 Pandemic. Over 600,000
Americans died. Millions around the world died. I have chronic asthma and other
medical issues. My doctors advised me to isolate at home until a vaccine was
invented. Your parents and their minister did not believe the pandemic was
dangerous. Their motto was Faith Over Fear. When people were advised to wear
face coverings as protection, your minister called them Face Diapers.
When I was
medically allowed to travel to see you after my vaccination, I was not invited.
After asking multiple times, I was allowed to visit for two days in early
August 2020. When I stood in your doorway, Connor and Bryson, you ran to me,
wrapped your arms around me and yelled, “Pawpaw! Pawpaw!”
We had a
wonderful time together but things with your parents were different. You were
no longer allowed in my bedroom. You were no longer allowed to sleep with
Pawpaw.
We played
in the toy room and snuggled together on the big bean bag chair. Bryson said,
“Pawpaw. I miss you.” Connor said, “Pawpaw, please don’t stay away so long next
time.” I replied that I will visit again as soon as you Mommy and Daddy allow
me to.
That was
the last time I saw you.
I love you,
Pawpaw
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