Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Happy Birthday Grandpa! Today my Grandpa Alspaugh would have been 71 years old! Thus, I wanted to dedicate my blog today to him. The picture above was from the Summer of 2004. This is the last time I saw him before he would be diagnosed with cancer. He was diagnosed in early 2005 (if I remember correctly), and then died in August of 2005. He put up such a great fight against this horrible disease, and I am thankful that I got to see him one last time before he died. We lived in Seattle, WA from July 2004-July 2005. So, as you can see, I made it back just in time to be able to see him. When I was able to see him, I am not sure if he remembered me or knew I was there, but I am thankful that I got to see him that last time. I also saw first-hand for the first time what cancer does to someone.........it is such a horrible disease. However, today I am going to celebrate his life with some fond memories I have of my Grandpa!

1. I think one of the greatest things I remember about him was his smile and his big hug! He always had a big smile on his face.....one that would make those around him have to smile. And when you would hug him, it would be one tight hug! :-) He lived in Louisiana most of my life, so whenever I would see him I would get one of those big hugs.

2. I also remember as a kid, going down to Louisiana to visit them. I think I was only 5. But at that time he had a perm - so funny to think that! :-) But I remember him and Grandma dressing myself, my uncle Doug (4 years older than me) and my aunt Kim (1 month younger than me), dressing us up with balloons and we would dance to Michael Jackson songs!!

3. I also remember he would come to visit at Christmas time....and when we were kids he would always take us to McDonalds at least one time during his visit. That was just what he did with us kids. :-)

4. I remember that he loved to play cards, and at any family gathering you would see him playing cards with whomever wanted to play. At that point in time I didn't play....but I often think of him (and my other grandparents) whenever I play euchre now.

5. I went to visit him in Louisiana the Summer between my freshmen and sophomore year in high school. During that visit he took me to the Gulf.....that is a great memory.

I am sure I could go on for a while with memories. But what I remember the most is that he was such a giving man. I am thankful that he came to see us before we left for Seattle. I am thankful for that memory with him. I love him and miss him. I can't hear the song "I Can Only Imagine" without crying and thinking of him (played at his funeral).

I love you Grandpa and wish you a Happy Birthday!!!

This picture is also from our going away party in the Summer of 2004 - with all three of my Grandpas!