I can not believe it has been that long...

Papa with his carPapa in his airplanePapa with his boy at the beachPapa playing around even in his 90's

I can not believe it has been five years since my Papa left this earth. Five years ago today, my grandfather Elliott Huger Lynam Jr. lost his life, at the age of 92, to old age. It was such a bittersweet time. On one hand, so sad to not have with us anymore. On the other hand, happy for him to be out of pain and to be reunited with his wife, sister, parents, friends and to be with the Lord. His faith was admirable. To live to be in your 90's can be so hard since you lose everyone you know and love, except your kids and grands. He was a good Papa, with the best ice cream and stories. I was lucky to be the first grandchild. He and my Nana would take me on trips and I spent a lot of time at their house. I have so so many fond memories. Some things that will always remind me of my Papa are Ritz crackers with peanut butter, BBQ sandwiches and chocolate ice cream. These are 3 things he loved! Along with flying and Clemson Tigers! I did not get to ever fly with him but I have heard many stories. He was a crop duster, an airplane and airport owner, an airport manager and flight instructor, a commissioned flight instructor for the armed forces and he loved to fly! His "fly boys" were his pallbearers. He also loved the Clemson Tigers. We have been going to football games since we were knee high to a grasshopper and that tradition started long before I was thought of. Later in life he used to watch the ball games at home, with binoculars. Bless his heart he was so sweet, a fun man and truly a man on honor.
Five minutes after Mike proposed we got the call to come home. I sadly put my ring in my pocket, packed my bags and we went home. He was in bad shape but still as jovial as ever. That was just him, He was also ready. He asked my mom if they had BBQ sandwiches in heaven. She told him she was sure they did and he said, "Well, then I am ready to go." The next day, Valentines Day, we had an engagement party for Zeke and Brett to go to. Mom was so exhausted, physically and mentally and stayed home. Right before we left for the party we broke the happy news of our engagement and then went and had a nice time. So many family members and friends were in town. After the party we went back to the house and went to bed and at a little after 2 am we got the call to come to the hospital. He was already gone when we got there. I had prayed my heart out the night before for the good Lord to take him. It was time. I guess the Lord though so too. He had almost 93 years of an amazing life and now...he leaves us for a better life. I am so glad that Mike got to know him as well as that he knew Mike. I felt the approval from Papa and knew he loved Mike as well as Anna. I only wish I could see his face today seeing these great grandkids. He would have so much fun with them. The stories will never end and neither will his memory. We love you Papa and are better people for the time and experiences we had with you. The stories were just the icing on the cake! You Papa, were the cake! Me with my Papa and Nana My daddy, me and my Papa at my graduation for Clemson University - All 3 Clemson Alumni