25 years ago today, in the early morning hours, I lost the most wonderful man to ever walk the earth, my Papa. Joe Chitwood was a man who always spoke the truth, worked hard to provide for his family, loved his family more than anything, and was my Papa. As a child, he came to see me everyday (except for when I was already at his and Grannys house) and brought me candy, usually Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. He made sure I had everything I always wanted and needed. He, along with my Granny taught me to drive. Some of my best memories of him are of us camping together in the summer. I would go with him each year at Christmas to place flowers on the graves of family members who had passed away. He had a deep commitment to family, heritage, and God. I miss my Papa each and every day. We had a connection. Many times when I was away at college and he was ill, if he had a breathing problem, or pain, I had the same thing and wouldnt find out about it until I called the next day. After Christmas 1989, the holidays would never be the same. During that period, there was a wide spread flu outbreak. Papa got the flu and then had a stroke on Christmas Eve. We all knew he was going home to his Mama and Granny Sosebee. He struggled to breathe and we fed him with a spoon because he couldnt eat. Finally on the early morning hours of December 27, 1989, he took his last breath. I was the only person not in the house because I was in Macon working the day after Christmas at Belk. I woke up and was packing clothes when my Mama called me to tell me he was gone. But, I already knew. I woke up at the exact time he died and by the time Mama called me, I was already packed. I drove from Macon to Cornelia in record time. I will never forget that day. Papa, I love you and all you did for me and the family. You are gone but will never be forgotten. Today I remember my Papa, Joe Marlow Chitwood (June 2, 1915 - December 27,1989) If I could be half the man you were, I will accomplish so much!
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 06:01:26 +0000
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