In memory of
Jack "Daddo" Watson
 

Dear Grands,

Our family moved to a new neighborhood when I was 8 years old.  I quickly met Laura and Dana, who were my age and lived right on our block.  Mama Jeanne and Daddo were Laura’s parents, and they have loved and treated me as one of their own since the day we met.

Daddo was a postman who was loved by everyone.  I can still hear him say, “Hey, Connie Gayle!”, as I walked through the screen door.  He’d come in from work, sit back in his recliner, and turn the sports on T.V. He was always munching on a big bowl of popcorn or some cashews with his Boston bulldog, Tiny, tucked in beside him.  Daddo loved watching his Aggies play ball! 

Laura, Dana, and I even took a memorable ride with Daddo when we were learning to drive.  We drove his pretty green car through the garage door and right into the kitchen wall.  Daddo’s mouth was wide open!  I think he screamed as loud as we did!

One year, he bought a little organ called A Fun Machine.  We’d sneak in and catch him playing on it when he didn’t think anyone was home.

We had lots of neighborhood parties, and we had slumber parties at the Watson’s all the time.  One of our favorite days of the week was burger night!  Mama Jeanne would make her special hamburgers, and people would show up from all over Abilene!  Daddo loved those burgers!  Looking back, I loved the food, but what I think I loved best, were the blessings and kisses that they prayed over all of us before we could dig in.

I went to see Daddo a couple of years ago in the assisted living center where he lived.  He was in an exercise class and all the folks were throwing a large ball around the circle.  All of a sudden, one of the ladies missed the ball.  Daddo jumped up, grabbed his walker, and “sprinted” to get the ball.  I thought the instructor was going to have a stroke!

My heart still hurts as I remember the lost look on Daddo’s face three summers ago as he stood beside Mama Jeanne’s grave.  But don’t be too sad!  For now, I know that look has disappeared, because I can just picture the joy Daddo had when he walked through the gates of heaven yesterday…welcomed by Jesus, his Savior, and Mama Jeanne, his sweetheart.

You see, my precious grandchildren, God blessed me with another set of “parents” who loved me and taught me a lot about life.  Be open to the gifts and people God puts before you.  I pray that He will bless you with wonderful folks like Jack and Jeanne Watson.

                                                              Love you bunches and oodles,

                                                                            Gransie

P.S.  I love you, Daddo!  You made such a difference in my life!  Today, I celebrate youJ