Family Photos: January 2018

The Crag

Granbery sent home a flyer about a climbing special at a new indoor Rock Climbing center. Since Wesley was out of town, I thought it would be a great Sunday afternoon activity!

Jackson and Elizabeth were all in! Philip & I enjoyed from the sideline.

 

W.C. "Drubby" Potts

There are several blog posts that I put off writing because they are full of sadness. Most of my posts capture the highlights of our lives but every now and then, we experience moments of heartache and pain and I put off reflecting on those feelings. But, it is good to remember the good times and bad. The happy moments and those that make you cry.  This post is about a moment that made me cry - the day my Papa died. The best way to leave a tribute to him is to post what I said at his funereal. It sums up my feelings for this great man. 

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When I received the call Thursday that Drubby’s body was tired, I along with my mom, Uncle Melvin, my dad, Susan, and Emily rushed to be by his side. We wanted to say goodbye and provide him with peace and comfort.

While we were there, I was amazed at how many of the staff of his Woodcrest family came by with tears. This man – thru his short stay with him – had left his mark on their lives. It was clear they had fallen in love with this wonderful man. My reaction was  - if you only knew the man I know. I want to tell you about that man.

You have those people in your life – the ones that are for you no matter what, and for me, that person was my Papa. When I remember him, I think of his gentle spirit of love and protection. He was the one who “had my back”

I remember one TN game I was acting like a 10 year old little girl screaming for the VOLS and the man behind me did not like my level of excitement. That fan said something to me and the next thing I knew Papa was coming from his seat about three rows back to shake his hand at this man. No reason to make her calm down – she’s at a football game. I was protected.

I remember my car breaking down on Hogan road. I called my boyfriend at the time, Wes, he couldn’t come. My dad, he couldn’t come.  But guess who did – My Papa did. I still remember saying “My papa will do it for me.” 

If you knew my Papa, you knew he had a love for trains, fishing, dogs, chocolate, Franklin, and UT football. You would know of “eat a snacks”, “You gonna win some, you gonna loose some. You gonna get wet you gonna get hot” his motto for dessert “You can’t serve something sweet without serving coffee” (he never did understand why they served cake and punch at weddings. You have to have coffee – black coffee – with your treats.) He had countless stripped collared shirts, cardigan sweaters and ball caps.

He was dependable with a heart of gold. I don’t remember Papa ever reading the Bible in front of me or leading a prayer at church yet his example (and really his and Mimi’s) example of Service is so etched on my heart. He would take me to Disaster Relief. We served and socialized. I learned both those things from him and I will add we are both really great at the socializing part! But we served – side by side. He wouldn’t just take me to do behind the scenes work – he would make me work the line and find out why I was packing boxes and how it would help.  He was a giver and server. Serving his family, servicing his country, serving those without.

He wasn’t one to shout from the roof of his love – he didn’t proclaim his love with words but he was a who loved and was loved.

Behind every name is a story. Did your parents name you after a family member? A friend? Is it just a name they liked?  I don’t know the reasoning behind Wilburn Carroll Potts but I know it wasn’t a name used often. I don’t think I can recall anyone calling him Wiburn. I remember W.C. We called him Papa, but to the world it was Drubby. 

 I sat down last night with my son, Jackson, and said “Drubby was the best man I knew”  And that is why you were named after him. I hope you wear that name with pride knowing your daddy and I picked that name because of the man who the name represented.

I remember going to 5239 Stallworth to “ask” permission to name our son, Jackson Drubby. Mimi, oh Mimi, she did not like it. She said “No. You will not name a child that.” And then we looked over at Drubby – “I think that will be just fine.”

Yes, Drubby, I do think that will be just fine.

He was stubborn in his beliefs

He was confident in his opinions.

He easily made friends with all he met.

He was fiercely loyalty

If our son, if our daughter – if those things could be said about us all at the end of our life, then yes, I think it would be just fine.

Daddy Daughter Love

Happy Birthday, Emily!

Happy Birthday to my napping friend!  We should be folding the laundry piles and/or watching our kids but instead, the afternoon called for a good nap. It was an emotional day as the day brought the sad news about Drubby. But 25 hours later, we were able to celebrate with smiles and laughter and memories! Happy Birthday, Little Sis!

 

We all have to celebrate!

This is the Greatest Show

I have been looking forward to this show for awhile now and it did NOT disappoint! What a great family movie! Two thumbs WAY UP!

First Snow!

It is now tradition that during the first snow, Pop Pop walks (or braves the weather) to make it to our house. Then we walk (or brave the weather) to make it to Waffle House!

Waller joined us this year
Philip, Jackson, and Elizabeth

Preview Night at OMS

Tonight was a preview night at Oliver Middle School. It gave the 4th graders a chance to see the school, meet some of the 5th grade teachers and take in a Oliver Basketball game.

I was unsure of what to expect and even more unsure of what Jackson would think. Turns out I was blown away by the school (teachers, facility and friendliness of current students) and Jackson loved it too! Whoo Hoo!

We met a family from Shayne elementary that has a rising 5, 3, and K (same as us!) It was neat to think of all the new families we will get to be around once Shayne and Granbery combine at Oliver.

Ran into Jackson's friend Dylan at the game

2018 Awards Day

Elizabeth and I spent the day at Granbery as Philip and Jackson were given awards for the way they shine!

Nolan Time

Oh how my heart is happy!

Travelers Rest

I chaperoned a trip to Travelers Rest today with the 4th Grade. It was fun to see Jackson in his element among his friends.

Practicing writing with a quill pen.

This lady was VERY serious about her dance lessons.
The kids were less than enthusiastic when they learned they would have to dance with a girl/boy from their class!
Jackson lucked out and got to dance with me!

Ben, Zane and Jackson

Mrs. Vaughn's 4th grade class

Puzzle Time

So what that the kids got this puzzle for Christmas - They won't notice that we stole it, completed it and loved every minute of putting it together!