This past weekend we loaded you both in the car and drove out to Southern California to celebrate the life of your Great Granddad. You'll hear a lot of stories about him as you grow. You'll hear them from your Grandpa Chief. He will tell you what a good man Granddad was. You'll hear them from your Grandma Shel. She will light up when she talks about him, she always does. You'll hear them from your dad. Dad will love to tell you about how he could hear Granddad's voice from the bleachers during his basketball games yelling "Jump Parker! Jump!" and how Granddad would pretend to be asleep while he was driving. And kids tonight I am going to write down my favorite Granddad memory.
Your dad and I were engaged before I had met most of his family, so we went on a road trip just before Christmas so I could meet Granddad and your Uncle Nash and Aunt Julie. First impressions have never been my strong suit. Go ahead and ask the Chief about it. I was really nervous to meet Granddad. Your dad had talked about him nonstop for most of the drive and I knew how important Granddad was to him.
As soon as I met Granddad I quickly realized there was no need to be nervous. He put me at ease. He made me feel like we had been friends forever, from what I can tell he made everyone feel like that. But my favorite thing about him was how much he loved your dad. All he wanted to do was talk about how awesome your dad was, which happened to be one of my favorite things to do as well. For a couple hours we swapped our favorite Parker stories over really great pizza.
Kids from that time on it became clear to me how much of an influence your Great Granddad had on your dad. There are a lot of people who helped shape Dad into the person he is but Granddad played a significant role. Among so many other things he helped your dad build confidence and a great sense of humor. So kids as you go through life enjoying having such an excellent father you should know that part of that is thanks to your Great Granddad.
Jack Vincent you won't remember the time you were able to spend with your namesake and Cora June you didn't get to spend time with him in this life but, Granddad will be a part of both your stories. Your dad already sings you songs Granddad taught him. I know he will teach you to peel your bananas from the bottom. Dad will make sure that Granddads memory is preserved in you kids. You are part of his legacy and lucky to be so. You are blessed to be the great grandkids of a truly great man.
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