My Memoir

It’s been over three years, but I still remember the sound of his voice or the feel of his sweaters when he hugged me and I will never forget the smell of Sunday dinners. It’s strange how the ones we love the most never really leave us. It’s as if their memories are holding their place while they are gone. I will never forget my Papa Louie. He was one of the people who had one of the biggest influences on my life. Not everyone got along with my grandfather, he was a stubborn, strong willed man and held very true to what he thought was right. However, In my eyes Papa could do no wrong. He inspired my loved of cooking and bringing your family together around the dinner table. He showed me that family always came first.

            It was a Monday evening, the week before I was to graduate high school and my phone alerted me that I had a voicemail. I pressed play to hear my papa’s voice on the other end, “Hi sweetheart it’s papa I just wanted to tell you that I got your beautiful invitation for your graduation and I just wanted to tell you that I wouldn’t miss it for the world, call me back.” I called him back and chit chatted for a few minutes before saying our goodbyes, little did I know but that was the last time I was going to hear his voice.

            I walked into my house and within minutes I knew that something was wrong, and it was. My Papa woke up early Wednesday morning to go to the firehouse like he did every morning. He has a massive heart attack that took his life and my world away from me.

            This event in my life taught me how fleeting life can be, how quickly the ones we love can be gone forever. I have carried this with me all through college. I am now graduating this spring from college and plan to live a life as full and completely as my grandfather would want for me.