Pawpaw Project

You may have noticed things seem to be pretty quiet lately here on my blog and on my Facebook page.  I’ve been busy on the back-end of the business, planning for my upcoming Teen Rep sessions for June & July and I’m also in the process of switching gears and focusing on an upcoming special project very near & dear to me – Pawpaw project.

Pawpaw is my mother’s father.  He’s a WWII veteran who fought many battles in Europe.  It’s nothing short of a miracle that he not only survived his 1st battle, D-Day, but lived to make it through many more… and eventually back home to the USA (where he then married my grandmother & had 10 children [my mom being #8]!)   His health may be on the decline, but Pawpaw’s war stories are incredibly detailed & accurate, like he just lived these moments yesterday.

I guess you could say I’ve heard Pawpaw’s war stories occasionally all of my life… I didn’t really give them much thought as a child or even as a young adult.  A few years ago at a family gathering someone asked him about The War, and he began recounting stories.  For the first time, I really listened  and couldn’t believe the incredible journey that this man endured.  The more I heard, the more I vowed to somehow record Pawpaw’s history.

I’m certainly not a history buff, so I knew I would need assistance with Pawpaw’s stories regarding accuracy, timeline, battle sequences, military rank, etc.  The only person that came to mind was Mr. Mack, my high school history teacher…. umm, and let’s just say that it’s been a few years since high school for me *cough*.  🙂  We covered WWII for a month or so in Mr. Mack’s class my junior year, and I’ve never forgotten how awesome it was to be a student in that classroom.  I’ve always looked up to him & he’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had.  With a little searching, we were back in touch and asked him if he by any chance might be able to help me or point me in the right direction, and I couldn’t believe it to hear that not only would he help but has a wealth of WWII knowledge and a great military understanding!  I’m so very lucky & thankful.

Last spring, I headed back to my home state of Virginia and sat down with Pawpaw and Mr. Mack for the day in the comforts of his very cozy knick-knacky home to hear all about his WWII experiences.  This June, we’ll all sit down again and record them.   Pawpaw happened to point out we’ll be meeting just a few days after the anniversary of D-Day.

As Memorial Day is approaching, I’d like to share a few of the images I took from last spring (I brought my camera along… and you KNOW thisss!)…

It’s a miracle he made it back alive, and even more amazing to have him with us still… and with a mind like a steel trap!   (After all, if he never returned my mother would never exist, which would mean no me, either.)  🙂

To everyone who has served & is currently serving to protect & fight for our country… *thank you*.  Happy Memorial Day.

 

Comments

comments

  • May 25, 2012 - 2:44 pm

    Andrea Butera Moncreaff - The DOG TAG photo says it all……God Bless him for his service. My grandfather was also a vet, and I think it’s brilliant to sit down and share the stories he beholds.ReplyCancel

  • May 25, 2012 - 3:12 pm

    Dawn Wells - Heather, What a wonderful tribute to your PawPaw. Thanks for sharing this right before Memorial Day, too. BTW – I LOVE the dog tag/hands picture!ReplyCancel

  • May 25, 2012 - 6:09 pm

    Laura Gordon - Oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS!ReplyCancel

  • May 30, 2012 - 4:43 pm

    Pam Willis Goodman - I love these pictures and thank you so much for posting them. These few pictures just make me so thankful for him and for all who have sacrificed for our freedom. I love that dad has a “steel trap” memory and is able to share his stories and he has always been such a good patriotic American and loves this country! It makes me smile seeing him so engaging and with all his America bling. Thanks again and looking forwrd to more.ReplyCancel

  • June 4, 2012 - 7:35 pm

    Maegan Dougherty - This is so beautiful and special, Heather. It’s awesome that you’re taking time for on such an important project. I would love to do something similar with both of my Grandmas to record what their lives were like when they were raising young families. So many differences from the way things are now, yet so much in common.ReplyCancel

  • June 18, 2012 - 1:24 pm

    kate - Love this – and great pictures of Pawpaw. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • June 18, 2012 - 9:06 pm

    Patricia Mullins - Thanks Heather…great pictures! Can’t wait to hear all of the stories. I really like the 1st picture where he’s looking into the camera smiling and the dog tag one.ReplyCancel

  • June 6, 2013 - 6:51 pm

    Diane Matthews Willerth - You brought tears to my eyes Heather! <3 & Thanks to your Pawpaw..... & to you for your not letting his story & history go to the wayside....ReplyCancel

  • May 25, 2012 - 2:45 pm

    Andrea Butera Moncreaff - My friend Heather is a professional photographer (an artist if you ask me), check out her site and blog.ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2012 - 2:37 pm

    Heather Lambrinides - thank you so much!! I hope your dad had a restful Mem Day too! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • June 3, 2012 - 2:37 pm

    Heather Lambrinides - thank you so much Andrea!! xoReplyCancel

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*