Tuesday, October 22, 2024
It’s said that from a young age you mimic or emulate the temperament, personality, sense of humor, and values displayed by those whom you truly love and revere most. That remains true with my Papaw, as much of whom I am today can be directly tied to my relationship with him.
I was the first grandbaby, and as Papaw’s “little buddy”, we spent much of my younger years attached at the hip, running wild all over the hills and making those core memories and molding me into the man I am today through his love, mentorship, and guidance. You simply cannot put into words the influence he had on my life.
The loss of one of my biggest heroes isn’t just felt solely by myself, but by many across our community, hometown, as well as Appalachia. Many here are better for having known my Papaw, as he certainly had a spark and tenacity that was not only rare, but truly unique.
