Temporary Home

A song by Carrie Underwood

Today, while I was in the middle of a group project, my mom informed me that Stan Burrous had died. This is the man that for the first 11 years of my life, I called Grandpa, a man who was always loving towards me, even though I was aware that he had a kind of mean streak. And then he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, turned horribly nasty towards my grandma, divorced her, and moved to Pennsylvania. This is a man who, I have had little to no contact with for the past 11 years. Yet, still, the news of his passing gives me pause.
No, we werent related by blood, but he was a part of my life, and he did leave his mark on my heart.
He was their when I took my first steps.
He would always bring me goodies when he and my grandma visited.
And there was that one weekend, when I was sent to stay with him and Grandma and I didnt speak! Thats right, I think I was maybe 5 or 6, and I didnt utter a word the whole weekend, but I did smile.
I remember my smile brought a smile to his face, he was funny. And I will always have the wooden bowls he made for me... time to pull them out and appreciate them for the love that was poured into them.
No, my life wont necessarily drastically change because the man that I called Grandpa died, but it is a reminder that life is temporary, and we should love with all our heart, follow all our passions, smile daily, and work to foster the relationships that matter to us.

Here's to Grandpa Stan, Grandma Carnes, George, Great-Aunt Mary Belle, Cousin Sharon, Friend Mr. Saltsman, Grandma Carnes' Sister; Abbey (dog), Khan (dog), Dolly (horse), Kitty (cat), Not Spot (cat), Junior (cat) and all the other friends and family I have lost since the summer of 2007. Rest In Peace