Monday, January 4, 2016

The one where we lose a great man....


About a month after my last post, I write this with a heavy heart. My Papa is now at peace with the ultimate creator.  He passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2015. He is finally safe.

Early December he took a bad fall and hit his head- like many other falls. But this fall coupled with all the other trauma caused bleeding in his brain. He spent a few weeks in the hospital. Since the fall, he lost his ability to eat and wasn't talking much. He wasn't up and walking around and hardly opening his eyes. He just looked so helpless and uncomfortable. Although he never said he was in pain. The doctors put a feeding tube in him on Saturday Dec 19. He was moved to a rehab place on the 21st where we hoped he could regain the ability to walk and eat again. But that night, he pulled out the feeding tube that was surgically inserted into his stomach and it just went down hill from there. Mom called me Wednesday and said it wasn't looking good. School was out, so I had both kids- I called Josh and he rushed home. But shortly after the first call from Mom, I received THE call. The call that no one wants to get, even though it may be expected. I was running some last minute Christmas errands. I had to pull over and all I could do was cry.  I hit my steering wheel a few times sobbing. The kids just sat in silence. One of the first times for that, I think. After a few minutes went by, I got my composure and Cooper asked, "Mommy, did Papa go to be with Jesus like Uncle Ed?" Kids are so smart aren't they?

I ended up making it to say goodbye. The social worker and funeral home waited to take him for a few hours. Mom, Mamaw and myself got to spend some alone time with him. As sad as it may seem, we sat around him, holding his hand and talking for a while. We got to say our goodbyes and hug his neck one more time. He looked so peaceful. He wasn't hooked up to machines. He wasn't struggling to breathe and move. It's the image I needed of Papa to know he's in a better place- he is safe. We aren't worried about him day in and day out. Do we miss him? Like crazy. But there is some weight lifted knowing he's not suffering.

Cooper colored Papa one last picture (to place in his coffin) and we added a few words on the back.  Cooper colored a big heart and added a lot of orange and blue. He said, "I'm making this Gator Colors because God is a Gator!" Once he got done he asked me when Papa was going to come back from visiting Jesus. I said we will all get to see Papa again when we get to meet Jesus, but until then he lives in our hearts.

Rest in peace my sweet Papa. You were a great man, always had a big smile on your face and could make anyone laugh. You made my life a brighter place and that is something that can't be taken away!

One of my favorites... Papa with his Ladies!

Please visit the Obituary for Allan Lewis Simmons

http://www.legacy.com/link.asp?i=ls000177018126

LOVE

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