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...
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