Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Anchors Aweigh

On March 17, 2010, our Pap Pap (Jacob's Grandfather and Charlie's Great Grandfather) left the earth to be with the lord. Pap suffered for many many years from cancer and COPD but today he is at peace. Though we are unable to put into words the pain we feel knowing we will never see him again on this earth, we smile knowing we will see him again one day.

Pap (aka William "Billy" L. Bauckman) led a fulfilling life filled with many wonderful memories and people who loved him. Many of those people spoke at his funeral which was held on this past Saturday, including Jacob. Jacob told stories of his favorite memories of Pap including fishing blunders, Reskins disappointments, and how he used to tell Pap he was a "pretty old man." Pap was like a father to Jacob and he is going to be missed deeply. It is not going to be easy to take a ride down to Mamau's house and not see him there.

"Anchors Aweigh" was the theme of the service because Pap was a sailor in the Navy when he was a young man. To honor him, we dressed Charlie up in an adorable sailor suit. It was the cutest thing ever! And of course I didn't take one picture of him - but I will!

All of Pap's great grandbabies attended the service. The newer ones were actually very vocal which made the mommas nervous but Mamau insisted on letting them stay for the ceremony b/c Pap would have wanted it that way. Really they were just chatting it up with Pap the whole time!

We love you Papmeister and will see you again one day! Breath free.

We also recently lost another loved one a little while before we lost Pap. Meme Madeliene, Becky's Great Grandmother and Charlie's Great Great Grandmother (WOW!) passed away at the ripe old age of 100!!! Now that's impressive! It's all the wine and cheese I tell ya! (She was french and my family consumes ALOT of wine and cheese!) We are always said when a loved one departs our earth but we also celebrate her long and fulfilling life. Bisous Meme! We love you.