JMH

I see the big porch you built with your own hands I see the stack of fire wood we cut and stacked for you. I see the fire burning to keep you warm I see the pan of fresh made biscuits I see your familiar smile “Who loves Paw Paw?” I see everyone in the room raising their hands and yelling, “Me!” I love the smell of your homemade banana pudding it’s the perfect mixture of the bananas, Wafers, meringue and love. I love the fresh homegrown tomatoes, banana peppers, and cucumbers that we picked together. I love the way you use to give us big hugs every time we arrived and left your house, your way to remind us that you love us. Did you know that Miles, Elizabeth, and I have graduated high school? Did you know I graduated with honors and I sat in the front row? Did you know I am in college now? Did you know Elizabeth is a mother now? I know I shouldn’t still be sad I know that it shouldn’t still be hard to drive past your old house I know I shouldn’t cry at Christmas I know I should be okay now I am waiting for the day I walk into those pearly gates and your standing there waiting to give me one of your big hugs welcoming me home I am waiting to hear you tell me you are proud of me of the young woman I have become I am waiting for the day when I no longer cry I miss your hugs and the way you use to laugh sounding like Goofy. I miss those boring old John Wayne movies you watched I miss our thanksgivings with everyone together talking and laughing you sitting in the Middle of the long table with a grand kid on each side. I miss that little train you had that we would sit there with the remote control making it go all the way around the track, occasionally pressing the little button that Made the horn go off. I miss the sound of your big strong voice that softened just for us.