Tuesday, April 28, 2009

93 years

Jack Rives Henderson
February 1, 1916-April 24, 2009

Matthew's Papa passed away last Friday. I cannot begin to express the sadness that has overcome us since we heard the news. Matthew and his Papa have always been so close, best friends really.

With the sadness though, comes great rejoicing. I would be hard pressed to think of a better man. His entire life was devoted to God and his family. He loved both with his whole heart. We know he is relaxing, in a recliner, in heaven right now trying to find some oatmeal cookies that are cooked to his liking.

We have spent the past few days, in Searcy, surrounded by family and loving on Matthew's Grandma. Papa and Grandma were married 68 years. I hope that my marriage is as God-centered and loving as theirs was.
When I say we were with family...we were with FAMILY! Papa and Grandma had 4 sons:
Dr. John Henderson, Dr. Tom Henderson, Dr. Jim Henderson and Dr. David Henderson (impressive, huh).

Those sons each has pretty big families:
Uncle John had 3 kids: Allen, Greg, and Laura. Uncle Tom had 4 kids: Joel, Ben, Mary and Dan. Matthew's dad had 4 kids: Beth, Matthew, Julia and Aaron. Uncle David had 4 kids: Hannah, Andrew, Rachel and Sam (who was unable to be there). That's 15 grandkids if you were counting.

Those grandkids have done a pretty good job of keeping the Earth populated too. Here are 19 of the 23 great-grandkids.
Here they all are...minus their incredible spouses.
The day was a celebration of Papa. So many stories were told, tears were shed, laughter was heard, songs were sung, and everyone held on a little tighter to each other than usual. Each one of the sons spoke at the funeral and it was beautiful.

We went back to lunch before heading out to the gravesite. It was a special time for everyone. It is such a blessing to be apart of the Henderson family. I am so thankful that I knew Papa and was loved by him. I am equally thankful that I am married to a man that is so much like Papa that he often gets made fun because of it. But, I can't think of a better compliment for Matthew than for someone to tell him he is like his Papa.

We love you Papa and miss you.

14 comments:

Kim said...

This is so beautiful, Dallas. Thank you for sharing. And, I don't know how I grew up in Searcy and did not know that Dr. Henderson was a relation to Matthew!

Danielle Balentine said...

You brought tears to my eyes and I didn't even know him. What a BEAUTIFUL family. You know that he is smiling down on all of those kids and grandkids. . . and great grandkids. What a blessed man. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures. That was so precious.

Marty Rhea Hill said...

Great Scott, I am sheding tears right now. Great post, Dallas. It was perfect!!!!

Holly Aytes said...

So sorry to hear about Matthew's Papa. You all will be in my prayers.

Traci said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Papa. You paid a great tribute to him and my eyes are moist. Prayers and hugs for your family!

Kristen OQ said...

I didn't even know Papa, but your post made me get tears in my eyes. Waht a wonderful legacy he left with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Thinking of your family right now during this sad time.

~aj~ said...

It makes me teary eyed (with happiness!) to hear of individuals and of families like this. What a wonderful blessing it is to be surrounded by so much love.

Rachel said...

What a sweet post Dallas!! We will be thinking of Matthew's family...

April said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I absolutely love what you wrote, Dallas. The pictures of the family, including all those great grandkids, are fantastic. A treasure indeed. Give Matthew a hug from us. We'll say a prayer for blessings of comfort and peace on you all.

Lane said...

So sorry to hear this. Wonderful post though Dallas!

Cousin Joel said...

Nicely said, Dallas. It was great to see y'all. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

MaryGlyn said...

Great tribute, Dallas, and thank you for sharing your photos. We did have a good time and Papa would really have been please with that fact and of course, flattered by your touching comments. MG

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

so sweet, Dallas. I am so sorry!!!

Jamie Chitty said...

I am so sorry to hear about this. It's never easy to loose a grandparent. They are such wonderful people and teach us so much. I love your tribute, it was perfect.

Related Posts with Thumbnails