Pepaw

May 19 2010 changed our family forever. Pepaw passed away right before our eyes. I was sitting by his side, family all around and he slowly slipped away. It was expected by unexpected. He was 82.

When my grandmother passed away in 2001, I ended up in a fight with my cousin over something so silly and that fight lasted for years and grew in numbers of family members that disliked me. All this over one comment, said as a joke, and meant nothing. Some people are so touchy ( said like Rizzo from Grease). So as you can imagine, I had a pep talk with myself before walking into the funeral home last week. I told myself, keep your mouth shut Tatum, Don't say anything, Don't rock the boat. (My cousin and I have been getting along lately and I didn't want to piss her off again, Lord help us all) Anyway, everything went smooth, nothing negative. What did happen was amazing though. Honestly, I am always surprised by God. It's not that I don't think He can do things, it's just that they always catch me by surprise. First, I felt privileged and honored to be by my Pepaw's side when he left this world to join Jesus and Memaw in Heaven. Next my cousin asked me about church. I invited them and he and his wife came and loved our church! Sometimes I feel like I'm not a good witness but it's not about me, it's about the love of Jesus Christ that shines through me.

My Pepaw's service was so sweet. It's funny, I always knew he was a fireman and I was always proud of that but I never knew him as Captain Hudgens, only as Pepaw. I loved hearing the stories of him at the firehall and how he won baking contests at church, and seeing all the little old ladies who doted over him all these years he's been a widower. I stayed at my grandparents house every other weekend until I was a teenager. I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world. Pepaw used to tease me at every meal. He'd say, does that plate have your name on it? And I'd say, sure does, it says T.H. which was both of our initials. He got the biggest kick out of that. Pepaw laughed all the time and my mom always tells me that where I get it from. You never left his house hungry and he was always there when you needed him. He was the cornerstone of the family and fine Christian man. He taught us unconditional love and generosity. Even though it sounds cliche, he will live on forever in our hearts as we remember all the love he showed us and the lessons he taught us.

(The picture is from our 30th birthday skate party. Pepaw thought he wasn't invited because he was too old. I told him it was because he didn't have an email address. I'm so glad he came, he had the best time that night.)