Day 24: Papa

Papa was my grandfather. He passed away when I was 5 years old. I did not get a lot of time with him, but from what I remember he was the best!

Papa gave me my very favorite stuffed animal: Mr. Bear. I got him as a present when I was born. He was a fluffy pink teddy bear. I grew up with Mr. Bear and he got me through everything! I slept with him cuddled in my arms every single night. I still want for Mr. Bear when I am sad. He absorbed so many tears over the years. Now his fur is faded and a little bit matted, but I think that is only a sign of how much he was loved! I wish Papa knew that he gave me my favorite toy ever. I suppose he probably does.

My earliest memory is of him. I remember being on a blanket on the floor in my grandparent's house and rolling over to his feet. I remember him smiling at me and laughing at me. Psychologists say that your first memory, whether it actually occurred or you think it occurred, sets the framework for your perspective on life. I think that is pretty interesting. I love that Papa was my first memory.

Papa was so cool. He was handsome, kind, funny, a great dancer, and very romantic. He and my grandmother got married very young and then he went off to war. He had a really neat role in WWII and I still love looking at all of his pictures and journals. I wish I knew more about his journeys.

Papa holds a very special place in my heart. When I am in Conway I still go to his grave and talk to him. I know that sounds crazy, and no, I don't think he is still there and can hear me, but it helps me. It gives me a place of reference. Sometimes he shows up in my dreams. I love it when that happens. I think it is a blessing when I have those dreams. I know Papa is in Heaven, but I sure wish I could have spent more time with him on earth. His legacy lives though. My brother is his namesake Ross Hanks Shaw and I will probably use the name Ross somewhere in my future children too. I love that name, More specifically, I love who it belonged to.

Love,
Mary Beth

This is a picture of my grandparents dancing with me in between them. I think I was around 2 1/2 or 3 years old here...

Day 23: Meghan Fitzmartin

Meghan is a dear friend to Drew and Me. She has been a friend of Drew's for the past 8 years or so. It is because of their friendship that I am blessed with her friendship!

Meghan is an awesome girl. She has more personality in her pinky than most people will ever have or encounter in their entire lives. She is spunky. She is fun. She is spontaneous. She is kind. She is thoughtful. These are of course just a smattering of all the reasons why we love Meghan.

The past two days we received 2 Christmas cards from Meghan and the most unique Christmas gift we have ever been given. It is seriously cool. She sent us a copy of Dr. Seuss' "Green Eggs and Ham". At first when we opened the package we were a little bit confused. We looked at each other and sort of laughed. Then we read the card. Meghan decided that she was going to start a little tradition of giving us a new book each year for our future children. Then she went on to say that since she knows that is probably a while away, when the kid finally arrives he/she will have a great collection! I thought that was so cool. I really liked that idea and it was so thoughtful and creative! We wrote "To the 1st Darr child from Meghan Fitzmartin, December 2010" on the inside cover. It was a sentimental moment. It was pretty cool and the first present we have ever received for our child.

Meghan is such a joy to be around. She is so positive and funny. I get so energized by being around her. Whenever Drew would have a theatre performance in college she would come down and stay with me for a day or two. We would stay up until 3 or 4 am just talking. It was so nice to have her friendship. It was a connection to Drew's past and new friend for me! We got along great and have always had a lot in common. I am so glad she is so mellow and just plain nice. So many girls get all "high school drama" when someone starts dating their best guy friend. Meghan never did that. Not once. She is great.

Meghan has a great relationship with the Lord. He is the number 1 passion in her life and that is incredibly obvious. She is a prayer warrior and a woman of faith. I love that about her.

Meghan,

You are so beautiful inside and out. Drew and I are so thankful for your friendship. I am beyond thankful for your friendship to Drew during his high school years. You taught him well! He knows how to treat a lady, which is no doubt in part to you! I am so blessed by knowing you! I only wish we got to see each other more often! You are so sweet and so thoughtful. You are appreciated. I love your personality and how original you are. You truly are one of a kind. Thank you for being so nice to me and making me feel welcome into your life! That meant so much to me.

Love,

Mary

This is a picture from the very first day I met Meghan. She is on the far right next to Drew!