Happy 84th Birthday Papa!

Happy 84th Birthday to my Papa Hodges (my Mom's Dad) his birthday was last Thursday October 3rd but we celebrated Sunday with a pizza party, cake, and ice cream. 

Growing up (in my eyes) Papa Hodges was always a green thumbed gardener, junk treasure collector, lawn mower repairer with grease on his hands and a grin on his face, he could always be found piddling on something in his school bus turned work shop or fishing at his pond.  He was always happy to let us giggly girls (and Derick) tag along feeding one of the random pets he owned throughout the years (pigs, chickens, goats, dogs).  Though some might claim he could be a little rough around the edges he has always been a softy with his grand children and especially great grand children.

To Taegan he is her "Other Papa" (since she calls Brandon's Dad Papa too) who gives her money for her piggy bank and is always willing to play "Jesus Loves Me" on his guitar so she can sing along.  Precious Memories!

However, my love and respect for this man grew by leaps three years ago when my Grandma suffered a stroke.  He demonstrated unconditional love and lived out his wedding vows "in sickness and health" that he recited many decades earlier.  Today his rifle remains in his gun cabinet, his fishing pole gathering dust, and the old school bus turned work shop has been hauled away.  Though he is almost 10 years older than my Grandma he now spends his days caring for her.  He had to learn to cook and do laundry.  Although they have someone come help three days a week and my Mom goes to help several days a week along with my Uncle, my Papa rarely accepts much help and is determined to do a lot himself.  

Their lives have changed, my Grandma has changed in many ways, but his love for her has not changed!  These days a love like that is hard to find.  

Papa's Little Helper.  

Taegan loves birthday parties, she is counting down to her own!

Our Whole Gang (minus Derick)