'Lil Buddy

This is why I scrapbook...so stories do not go untold. 

I will freely admit that when I first began scrapbooking there was NO journaling on my layouts.  My earlier pages consisted of nothing more than photos and a massive amount of stickers.  Now, when I look at those layouts I sigh.  Not because of my earlier technique (or lack thereof), but because there is no meaning behind my layouts.  My earlier layouts did not tell a story.  My story.  My thoughts.  The story of my kiddos.  Our family.  I began journaling on my layouts about four years ago...perhaps only a few words or at other times an important story that NEEDS to be told.  I have a new appreciation for my layouts now that they include words and I pray that one day my children will thank me for that.

I completed the above layout last week.  I needed to do this layout last week.  For me.  For the young boy in the photo.  For the handsome gentleman standing next to him.  Garrett is standing next to my Papa (my maternal grandfather) in the photo above.  From the day I was born, he has been a strong influence in my life.  Our relationship has always consisted of love, support, and mutual respect.  He and my grandmother are truly one in a million.  I am beyond blessed that they have played a huge role in my childhood and now in my adult life.  My boys have an amazing relationship with them as well.  A relationship that many children do not have with their great-grandparents.  Indeed, we are all blessed!

Currently, my Papa is struggling with his health.  He has for years; however, he is strong.  Both in body and mind.  We have reached the point where surgery or treatment will no longer fix him.  I knew this day was inevitable; however, it saddens me nonetheless.  Thankfully, after a recent hospitalization Papa is now home.  He is doing well and looks wonderful.  Who knows what the coming days and months will bring.  In the meantime, our family will continue to cherish each and every moment spent with Papa.