This is a difficult blog to write this morning. At about 1:15 this morning, my wife’s grandfather – Woodrow Cheshire – went home to be in glory with our God. Papa was truly a “one-of-a-kind” person. He was a farmer and for a time the Mayor of Pompano Beach in South Florida. I’ve known a lot of storytellers in my life, but Papa was one of the best! From the first second I met Papa, nearly 14 years ago, I loved the man. When Joy and I announced to the family that we were getting married, Papa (along with the whole Cheshire family) welcomed me and loved me into the family in a way that I had only dreamed of. Papa was more than a grandfather-inlaw though, he treated me and loved me like I was one of his very own.
Pappa loved the family in a way that goes beyond legacy. His care and attention to each member of his family has become the standard. He didn’t just say he loved us, he showed it in many different and practical ways. He was a strong man, but he never was timid about telling us all that he loved us and that he was proud. He usually would share these gifts of love with a tear in his eye. Papa was a doer – he was never ready to stop a good days work and I have no doubt that as he entered glory, his first thought was to tell a story and then look for the golf cart so he could get to work.
I know most of my readers don’t know our Papa, but I sure hope you know someone like him. I also hope that this short memory of him will inspire us all to keep “running the race” that is set before us. I hope that you’ll be encouraged and strengthened through this day and you will rejoice with us that Papa is home and is at rest.
I can’t help but think of those Saints that have gone before and who have given us the example of Christ. I’m reminded and thankful that the early church, at a very early point, got together and prayed and worshipped in small groups. They shared stories and they shared the goodness of Jesus. That tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, including Papa and now us. My prayer for us today is that we would be that kind of community of people – pray-ers and worship-ers.
Thank you all for your prayers and support for our family. Thank you for being the community of Christ and for hearing me share a story about a great man. Grace and Peace to You All!
We Love you Papa!