A wonderful man...

On March 5th, Harold Riggins left this world and went home to be with the Lord and the rest of his family who had passed before him.  I can't imagine a more pure and dear man.  The oldest brother of my grandmother, Harold was definitely the jokester of the family.  My grandmother was the youngest, with my Great Uncle Glen in the middle.  Over the years, my grandmother has joked about just how much ribbing she received from the both of them.  I get the feeling that they made her the strong woman she is today. 

Harold spent his days after the Marine Corps helping my Great Grandparents on their cotton farm in Seymour.  He loved living on a farm.  Everything about living on a farm he enjoyed...barn cats, tractors, being able to have fireworks (which he loved!!!!). 

After Great Grandma Riggins passed in 1999, he moved in with my Grandparents in Irving.  It was wonderful being able to see him more often.  His humor and kindness was like no other man I've ever known.  When I was going to college, I often would get letters from him, typed on his typewriter because of the stroke, with a few dollars to help me get through.  After moving into my apartment, he told my grandparents to help me out with buying a washer and dryer.  He was adamant on me not using a laundromat!  His contribution bought me my first Whirlpool Washer and Dryer...I felt so grown-up.

These past years since he's been sick, he's been living a lack-luster life in a nursing home in Athens.  His days were filled with feeding tubes and spaghetti westerns on the tv in his room.  My grandmother diligently made sure his last days were as enjoyable as possible, and that no one would take advantage of his situation.  She was one of the best advocates for him.  It was a kind of love that was a blessing to see.  I hope I will be that strong if ever in that situation. 

This morning, my thoughts turned to Harold, prayers for him and knowing that he is in a much better place.  My grandmother said in the limo on the way to the cemetery, "You know...he doesn't have to ask to go home anymore".  It made me smile...I know he is home now.