My Tribute to Paw-Paw

On Christmas Eve, shortly after 7 pm, our family lost a jewel while Heaven gained one.

In 2005, my Paw-Paw, Leonard David Hall Sr., went into the hospital for a routine surgery. At that time, we had no idea it would nearly take his life. Due to some complications, he was airlifted to UNC Hospital. After weeks of uncertainty, Paw-Paw turned the corner and by God's grace went home. His kidneys, however, had shut down, and his life would forever be dependent on dialysis.

For nearly 5 years now, our family has watched Paw-Paw being loaded into a handicap van and transported to dialysis 3 times each week. He would come home at the end of each day tired and often irritable. My Maw-Maw, demonstrating to us the true love of a wife, would tirelessly take care of him day in and day out. She put her life on hold for the man that she loved while enduring frustration and often a lack of appreciation.

As the years passed, Paw-Paw grew tired. I could see in his eyes each time that I visited that he was ready to leave this world. Paw-Paw accepted the Lord as a young man, and he knew where he would spend eternity. There were many days where I'm sure he questioned why the Lord left him here. During those 5 years, however, we did make many more memories, and Paw-Paw was able to enjoy life through the birth of 2 great grandchildren. He always had dreams of taking them fishing and riding them through his pasture, but I know in his heart, he knew it would never happen here on this earth.

These desires for my 2 boys, his great grandchildren, are the memories I cherish of Paw-Paw. He was a farmer, and I grew up with only a pasture separating my parents' home from theirs. Needless to say, I was spoiled rotten!

As a little girl, I would spent the night with Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw most Friday nights. Paw-Paw would play games with me til late at night. Our favorite was UNO, and I finally got good enough to beat him! He taught me how to stand on my head, and we loved to show off our "special skill" to unsuspecting visitors. On some nights, Paw-Paw would pretend it was Christmas and deliver me all kinds of toys, as if Santa had come! When Christmas really did come, often I prided myself in getting the best "Paw-Paw presents." I still cherish the necklaces and bracelets Paw-Paw surprised me with.

During warm summer days, he would let me "drive" the tractor through the fields and swing on the gates. He'd talk to me about his cows as if they were a part of our family. I'd even sneak tobacco out of his truck when he wasn't looking! He took me to the cow auction and bought me a cow. Later we sold that cow (and its calves) to help pay for my college!=) After bailing hay, he'd stack them up and let me climb all over them. I was "queen of the pasture!"

I was also Paw-Paw's personal secretary. He had his hand in many types of business, and I loved going into his office and "organizing" all his paperwork. Even to this day, I am amazed at all the people who owed Paw-Paw money. He was such a giver that even after I had written all their names down on paper, he'd shrug it off. Paw-Paw taught me how to save, how to count pennies, but more importantly he taught me how to give. He was tight with his money, but only so he could help others.

Paw-Paw helped me and Maw-Maw throw some crazy parties at their house! On Halloween, in particular, he'd take old cardboard boxes and make the world's largest maze in his warehouse! As young girls, my friends and I would climb through until the duct tape fell off the cardboard walls. Paw-Paw often seemed like a kid; one of us!

I think I rode in the back of Paw-Paw's truck more than in the cab. He'd drive me down to the corner store and let me get candy. He bought me this pet and that. Between him and Maw-Maw, we must have owned every pet imaginable! Paw-Paw loved animals like I do, and it always seemed like they could sense it.

Paw-Paw was also my softball coach. We spent untold hours in the backyard "practicing" pitching techniques for the next big game. Paw-Paw would take me into his arms and throw me into the air as high as he could! One day, I finally got too big, and we all had to admit that I was growing up.

As I got older, I still spent as much time with Paw-Paw and Maw-Maw as I could. I would always honk my car horn when I drove by their house. One honk, and they knew I was headed out; two honks, and they knew I was back home. Paw-Paw would come to my high school ball games and cheer me on from the sidelines. He was sure to have some "coaching suggestions," though, when the game was over.

When Jeremy and I got married, I convinced Paw-Paw to lay the farm clothes away and wear a tux! He and Maw-Maw looked so beautiful! Paw-Paw rolled out the white carpet for me right before my Dad walked me down the aisle.

When I moved away, he would come and visit whenever possible, or I would go down there. Even with a husband and kids of my own, I was still his little girl. I'm not sure if I ever grew up in his eyes. I've always been that little blonde-headed farm girl, Paw-Paw's pride and joy.

Two weeks ago, while on our way to Winston, Mom called my cell phone to let me know that Paw-Paw was sick. They had called 911, and medical teams were on their way. This had happened before, but this time something in my heart told me I needed to go down there. Without hesitation, Jeremy turned the car, and we headed down those country roads to Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw's house. By the time we got there, Paw-Paw was being loaded onto a stretcher and put into the ambulance. As they were shutting the back doors, I looked around the corner and told Paw-Paw that I loved him. In his ususal fashion, he responded, "Same here, baby."

Those were the last 3 words I ever heard Paw-Paw clearly say. After being taken to the hospital, many tests were run, but it was never clearly determined why Paw-Paw had gotten so sick that night. He began to develop dementia and rarely spoke words that were understandable. After many prayers and tears, my Dad and Maw-Maw decided it was time. No more tests were to be done on Paw-Paw, and he was removed from dialysis. As this point, we knew he could go at anytime.

During these 2 weeks of waiting, I spent as much time as I could at the hospital. Jeremy was so amazing in his willingness to stay home and keep the boys. By choice, I always went to see Paw-Paw by myself. I would stand by his hospital bed and stroke his hair. I'd rub his cheeks and tell him that I loved him. I'd hold those big hands in mine and remember how I used to think Paw-Paw was indestructible. I'd place my hand on his chest and feel his heart beat.

One time in particular, I know Paw-Paw heard my voice. He barely opened his eyes and looked right at me. He then broke into the widest grin I've ever seen. His nurse was astonished. She said that was the first time he'd opened his eyes all day. Needless to say, I again covered his face with tears.

On Christmas Eve, I got the call I had been waiting for. Paw-Paw had finally left this world. Jeremy put both the boys to bed and reassured me he could handle doing "Santa Clause" that night. I headed over to the hospital where my parents and Maw-Maw were waiting.

In that quiet hospital room, I finally saw Paw-Paw at peace. He was resting. It was as if he had simply fallen asleep. I felt his chest again, but this time there was no beating. I knew he was gone. As much as I wanted to weep, the tears barely came. This is what Paw-Paw wanted. He had endured pain for nearly five years, and now he felt it no more. I looked at the bruises on his arms and rejoiced in my heart that he was now in a perfect body. He was full of life; the life that I remembered Paw-Paw having.

The funeral visitation and funeral went as expected. I'm always amazed at the love and support people give us. Jeremy performed Paw-Paw's funeral, and I was so proud of him! I would have never thought, as a little girl, that God would give me such a Godly man; a man who so amazingly shared God's Word at Paw-Paw's homegoing.

As we adjust to life without Paw-Paw, I know it will take time. Walking into their house and seeing Paw-Paw's empty chair will probably always cause a lump to rise in my throat. Knowing where he is, though, gives me a peace beyond understanding. It was Paw-Paw's time, and as each day passes, I long for Heaven a little more.

I love you Paw-Paw! Can't wait to see you soon!

I can see Paw-Paw's love for me in his eyes (and I was only 2 years old).


Paw-Paw's little girl


Drinking a glass- bottled Pepsi with Paw-Paw


On a family vacation, cuddling with Paw-Paw


Mine and Jeremy's wedding


Paw-Paw kisses!


Our family in 2003


Paw-Paw with Stephen, his first great grandchild


This picture was taken at Thanksgiving. It's one of the last pictures we have of Paw-Paw.

Merry Christmas!

It has been forever long since I've last blogged. In fact, my last post was at Thanksgiving, and here it is, Christmas Eve Eve! Unbelieveable!!! Of course, we've been busy with the holidays and all, but 2 weeks ago my Paw-Paw became very sick, so most of my free time has been spent at the hospital. He could go at anytime, and I will keep everyone posted. There is so much I could write about him, but I will save for a later time.

Right now I'm at my parent's house. We're doing Christmas here tomorrow morning, and then we'll head back to Durham. We'll wake up at our house on Christmas day and then head to Winston the day after. The boys are getting all kinds of cool things from us. Their big toy, though, is a huge inflatable bouncer that we can use indoors on cold days or outside when it gets warm. I think Stephen will love waking up on Christmas morning and finding his own bouncehouse sitting beside the tree!

Jeremy and I love to give gifts. We are more excited about the things we've gotten our family and friends than about the things we may be getting. I'll share more about the specifics later. The moment I start talking about what we bought others is when they'll read my blog and find out everything they're getting for Christmas!=)

Since I'm at my Mom's, I don't have access to all of my Christmas pictures. I'll post some of what she has on her computer, though. Our Christmas season has been so much fun! Merry Christmas and may we remember why God sent His precious Son to us.

Our 2 little Christmas Boys in some new pj's!

The sleigh ride we took in Brier Creek


Our family at Disney on Ice


Stephen and his completed Gingerbread House!


We made lots of chocolate suckers this year, and the boys loved eating them!

Our Thanksgiving Celebration

So, once again, Jeremy's at another UNC game, and I'm nabbing the opportunity to blog. Last week we were at the beach from Tuesday through Saturday. We had a lot of fun with Jeremy's family. Since being home, we've finished our Christmas decorating with the purchase of a real tree. Caleb has been running a random fever but doesn't seem sick. Stephen is really getting excited about Christmas (and this is only December 1)! Enjoy some pictures that show the fun we had over Thanksgiving:

Caleb enjoying a chicken leg on Thanksgiving Day!


Stephen on the balcony of the room we stayed in our first night at the beach.


Jeremy and Caleb "playing" some basketball outside our room at Barefoot.


Me and the boys in the lazy river at the indoor water park.


Stephen picking out our real Christmas tree when we got home.

Getting Into Winter

Once again, I'm here at home, and the house is quiet. Yes, Jeremy is at another UNC game! He called from work today to inform me that someone had again given him 2 free tickets. He is getting SO spoiled!!! Tonight, though, he and his brother David went to the game, and Stephen and Caleb stayed here with me. Is it bad to say I put them to bed at 7:45??=) Nope!!!

Both the boys have been so sick lately. It has been crazy in our house! After finishing his antibiotic for strep throat, 3 days later, Stephen got it again! On the very same day, Caleb got croup. And yes, of course, I got strep right along with the rest of my sick family. Thankfully, Jeremy avoided it, and the boys and I were able to barricade ourselves in the house for a few days. As for now, all is well, and everyone seems healthy!

I absolutely love this time of year! Christmas is on it's way, and you can just feel the excitment in the air! I don't usually decorate until after Thanksgiving, but this year I couldn't wait! Last year I didn't even get out our decorations, because we were living with my parents. The year before that, I was still in a wheelchair from the wreck, and the Canters did all my decorating! Needless to say, I was itching to open those Christmas boxes and liven this new house up! I'll be sure and post some pictures soon!

Tomorrow we leave for the beach! It's Jeremy's family's "year," and we're all headed to Myrtle til Saturday. I'm very excited and hope to grab some deals at the outlets! While sick last week, though, I finally finished Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover. It really inspired me, so I won't be doing too much shopping!=) Unless, of course, it's a deal I can't pass up!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! Cherish every day and thank the Lord for it!

Caleb is absolutely enamored with all the lights and ornaments!


The boys "posing" for a quick picture before getting back to work!


Stephen really was a big helper this year with decorating the tree. He's such a "big boy" now!


One night, we found Stephen asleep in his room like this! He had moved his fan and put it on his bed, blowing right in his face. Needless to say, Jeremy quietly moved it back after I took this picture!


Me and Stephen taking a "tree decorating" break!


Stephen and Caleb loved getting in the Christmas tree box and pushing it over!


We went iceskating last weekend at an outdoor, ice free, iceskating rink! It was fun, but our 2 trips around the rink (desperately holding onto the rails) was not worth the money! This picture was, though!=)

While It Rains...

It's Wednesday night and besides the rain following outside, our home is quiet. We just got in from small group about an hour ago. It was our night to fix dinner, and I just finished cleaning the kitchen. Caleb's asleep, and Jeremy and Stephen aren't here. This afternoon a friend gave Jeremy 2 tickets to tonight's UNC game. Stephen was so excited to go and see Rameses with his Daddy! Yes, I know the game didn't start til 9, and that Stephen will probably get very sleep (and be grumpy tomorrow), but oh well!=) You only live once, and who knows how long that will be??? So, they are there, having a blast I'm sure, and I'm here at home having some quiet time. It's amazing how little you get "quiet time" when you're a Mom. Honestly, I can't even count on quiet or privacy when I'm in the bathroom! There are always little people in there doing this or that! They just can't seem to get enough of me!=) So, I thought that I would do a quick post while I had a few quiet moments alone. Things have been going well for our family. Last week, Stephen unexpectedly got strepp, but he has recovered very quickly. The rest of our family avoided it somehow. We spent Saturday in Winston. Jeremy played golf, and I had some girl time at Hannah's bridal shower. Church was awesome on Sunday as JD finished up a series on The Presence of God. I have learned so much! This week has been normal thus far. Stephen had a dentist appointment on Monday, and he did great. We did give the dentist a laugh, though, when she asked Stephen to open up wide, only to reveal a piece of candy laying on his tongue! What kind of mother sends their kid to the dentist with candy???! Anyhoo, he goes back in 6 months, and this next time, Caleb will be going for his first check-up. Yesterday we spent the day at home packing our Operation Christmas Child shoebox, making Jello, and we even took our first wagon ride to the library. Stephen checked out some books, and they've come in handy on this rainy Wednesday. We are truly loving it in this home that the Lord has blessed us with. I had a thought this morning as I was driving to Women's Bible Study about the rain that just won't seem to stop falling. The Holy Spirit brought the phrase "showers of blessings" to my mind. I began to contemplate what that meant. "Showers" to me means a random occurrence, not too heavy and not too light, just enough to get you wet. I feel like that is how God often does bless us...a little at a time and just what we need. My mind then began to wonder what it would be like if God gave us a "downpour of blessings." His Word says that He will open up the floodgates of Heaven for us. I don't think I could even handle a "downpour" when I'm so amazed at the "showers" He gives me every day. What a great God we serve! How blessed!=)

Happy Birthday Caleb!

I can hardly believe that our little Caleb turned 1 last week! We had his birthday party on Halloween. It was a lot of fun, and I'm so thankful for everyone who was able to celebrate with us. We did a Winnie the Pooh theme, which is why Caleb was Winnie the Pooh for Halloween. He completely looked like a little girl and will probably hate us for this in the future! Regardless, he was cute, and we had a lot of fun!=)

The boys together...I love this picture!


Stephen's 3 and a half year old pictures


Caleb's one year old pictures


Caleb digging into some cake!


The finished product!=)

Home!!!!

We officially have a new home! Yay! It’s been so busy here with unpacking and sorting. Stephen and Caleb definitely don’t help this process!=) I am proud to say, though, that all the boxes were unpacked, and our stuff in place before we had been in our house for an entire week. I’m not sure if I should pat myself on the back for that or fuss because I am such an OCD perfectionist! Regardless, it’s done! There are still some things that we need to purchase. Every house is so different and has different “needs.” There are also no pictures hung yet, but that will come. I don’t want to rush so much that I don’t love where everything is put. It’s been great going through the boxes of our stuff that we haven’t seen in almost a year. I’ve gotten rid of lots (all over again!). Truthfully, it’s also been kind of emotional. I’ve found so many things that have overwhelmed me with memories. For example, I found my devotional diary from 2007 in the bottom of a box. I flipped it over to August 27 (the day we had the wreck) and read what I had learned in my quiet time that morning. We had no idea what lay ahead less than 12 hours later. Even in what I wrote, I could see again how God was preparing us. Seeing the next couples weeks of that journal empty brought me to tears. God taught me so many things; growth that could never possibly be journaled. I also found lots of stuff from the Grove and Union Grove. Jeremy and I have laughed at pictures of the students and reminisced of so many fun times. We still miss these kids more than they will ever know. Speaking of them, I am so proud that the guys won the soccer State Championship on Saturday! Way to go guys!=) Stephen and Caleb are adjusting to our new home very well. Caleb loves sleeping in his own room (as opposed to a closet!), and Stephen is excited that we painted his new room the same Carolina blue color as his old room in Winston. The boys have a huge playroom, and we spend lots of our time in there. We have lots of room to grow if God ever leads us that way!=) I’ve experienced a lot of closure with this move also. It’s been kinda weird “making” a new home and “saying goodbye” to the one we built and loved. God has reminded me over and over, though, that His plans are perfect. I know we are in His will, and that this is the home He’d have us raise the boys in (unless, of course, His will again takes us somewhere else). So, with all that said, here are some pictures of our new home (sorry there aren't a bunch...my time is so limited right now) Enjoy!=)

Stephen and Caleb packed up and ready to move!=)


Our room


Stephen's room


Caleb's room


The outside

Our Trip to Disney!

First off, forgive my delay in posting about our much anticipated Disney trip. We closed on our new home on Wednesday, and things have been crazy to say the least. I'll post more about that at another time and hopefully include some interior pictures of the house.
Back to Disney...it was awesome! To avoid sounding overly dramatic, I will just say that it was better than we could have anticipated! Stephen and Caleb loved every minute of it! I could go on and on about it, but I'll post some pictures and let them do the talking! Great memories!...

Caleb fell asleep in his stroller almost every day. He always sucks on his silly blanket to fall asleep!=)

The boys and Goofy at an awesome breakfast in Africa at Animal Kingdom. For all you Disney lovers (and planners), we rode Kilamanjaro Safari when it opened at 9 (Jeremy grabbed 3 fastpasses while the boys and I got in line). We had this breakfast at 9:30. We then rode Kilmanjaro again using our fastpasses after breakfast. It was great both times!

Stephen and Daisy.

Stephen and Mickey (in his safari outfit).

Our family with Safari Donald at the Tusker House breakfast again!

Stephen and the classic Mickey icecream!

Stephen and Rafiki at Animal Kingdom (Is that how you spell his name?)

Stephen was determined to see a gorilla at Animal Kingdom. We looked and looked and finally found this gorilla exhibit on the Pagani Forest Trail. The gorilla in this picture became our favorite. Stephen and I watched him forever. I think gorillas are so amazing (Stephen gets it from me!). When we got ready to leave (after much coaxing by Jeremy!), the gorilla...forgive me for sounding gross...bent over and pooped. Stephen thought this was so hilarious. Then, believe it or not, he turned around...and again, forgive me sounding gross, the gorilla ate it! Stephen absolutely died laughing! It was disgusting to everyone else! The reason I write all this is because if you ask Stephen what his favorite part of Disney was he will undoubtedly say, "Watching the gorilla eat his poop." And to think, we spent all that money and went to Disney for THAT!=)

Waiting to rush into Animal Kingdom with the crowds.

Stephen and Goofy!

Donald and the boys!

Cute Minnie and the boys!

Mickey Mouse himself (as the chef who cooked our food). I think Caleb was copying Mickey in this picture!

Since it's almost Caleb's first birthday, a couple of the restaurants celebrated with him by giving him a special pin and cupcake. You can see Stephen's hand grabbing the cupcake and Caleb's the pin!=)

Stephen and Chip and Dale outside the Magic Kingdom.

Stephen and Pluto at Chef Mickey's in the Contemporary. This was a great breakfast!

Caleb and Tigger at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom.

Jeremy and Eeyore.

Caleb could not stop touching the characters when they came to our table. He especially loved Pooh! He was so big and fluffy!=)

Stephen and Piglet.

Me and Caleb riding the carousel in Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom.

Stephen playing at Pooh's Playful Spot at the Magic Kingdom.

Main Street at the Magic Kingdom at night.

The castle at night.

I love this picture of Stephen on the "tree slide" at Magic Kingdom.

Stephen "driving" his first racecar at the Tomorrowland Speedway.

The decorations at the Magic Kingdom entrance. We got to each park so early that we were able to take some pictures and enjoy the "park opening" shows.

We ordered a "Mickey basket" that included cookies, an autograph book and pen, and mouse ears for Stephen before we got there. He was so excited to see them waiting for him on the bed!

So cute!!!

Stephen and Caleb ready to head out to the park bright and early!

Stephen and June at the Play-n-dine at Hollywood Studios.

Stephen and Leo.

Some friends of ours were also at Disney when we were. We caught up with them several times, and Stephen loved it. He and Brenden are becoming good buddies!=)

Waiting for the bus one morning.

Stephen loved playing at the Honey I Shunk the Kids playground.

Hollywood Studios when it first opened one morning.

While I requested the "Hoops Hotel" at the All-Star Sports Resorts, we were put in the tennis section. It was really cute, though. Stephen loved running around on the pretend tennis court right outside our room! Staying on property was great. It was like you never "left" Disney when you were there!





On the airplane waiting to take off.

You'll notice that there were pictures of all the parks but Epcot. We did go there, but my camera was dead. I did take lots of videos, though, and will post them once I learn how!=) We had such a great time (and believe it or not we weren't completely worn out when we got home)! I can't praise the Lord enough for giving our family the chance to take this trip! He has blessed tremendously!