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9.11.11

Well, yesterday was a very interesting day. I woke up knowing it was the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and like many others I reflected on where I was when I watched the second plane hit the South Tower. It was my senior year in high school (if you were curious) and like everyone else I will NEVER forget that moment.  I began reading twitter updates about 9/11 and prayed for all those who lost loved one’s in that tragedy ten years ago. Seeing images from that day brought tears to my eyes, as I remembered how it affected our entire country so. 
Then I got the news from my dad that my grandfather had passed away earlier in the morning. I knew this news was coming, I just didn’t know when. I immediately began to cry, overwhelmed thinking about my mom, and her brothers and sisters, who had just learned their daddy had gone to heaven. 
My Papa was an amazing man. Self-made from the ground up. He put himself through med school, and raised five children in Eastern KY. He was a doctor who never had a price, if someone couldn’t afford to see him, he would see them for free. If we all grow up to be half the man he was, we will be doing alright. 
I am SO thankful, that two weeks ago we all went to Pikeville, and celebrated my Papa’s 90th birthday in such a big way. It was so special, he was so happy and seemed so at peace. I am thankful those are my final memories with him. 
{Pictures from his party… }

Luckily he passed peacefully, and that is such a blessing. 
I will be headed to Pikeville this week, please keep my family in your prayers. 
Papa, you are greatly loved, and will be greatly missed by so many people. 
Never miss one moment to tell the ones you love, how much they mean to you. 9.11 will always, always be a day that I remember. 
xoxo

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  1. Im so sorry for your loss sweet girl! I love you. Please call me if you want to chat!

  2. I'm Jess says:

    So sorry to hear of your loss, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts! Your Papa sounds like he was an amazing man!

  3. He seems like he was an absolutely amazing man. I will keep you and your family in my prayers!

  4. Whitney says:

    I'm so sorry girl. 9/11 will be a day that I will always remember too. My dad died on 9/11 but in 1999.

  5. What a sweet and memorable tribute to your grandaddy. I can't imagine the range of emotion you probably went through on that day – you poor thing.

    I bet he is looking down on you today and smiling so big! Lots of love and prayers!

    [Life of Meg]
    http://www.megnificentlife.blogspot.com

  6. Kimmiwinter says:

    sending loves and kisses

  7. So, sorry for your loss. Beautiful pictures of you with him.

  8. Awww – thinking about you. Big hugs!

  9. Beth says:

    so sorry to hear about your papa, allison. thinking of you and your family. but you're so blessed to have been able to spend so many wonderful years and memories with him. especially at his birthday party. so sweet.

  10. Café Moka says:

    So sorry for you loss!!!

  11. Alice says:

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather 🙁
    I lived with and cared for my great aunt until she peacefully passed away in 2008 at age 102. So wonderful that your final time spent with him was so happy and loving!
    Take care of yourself, cry whenever you need to (or whenever it strikes you) and enjoy the memories.
    Lots of love and thoughts 🙂

  12. Thinking and lifting you and your family up to Him! That last picture is spectacular…definitely need to frame that one.

  13. Holly says:

    Oh I am so so sorry to hear about your grandpa 🙁 Mine was also 90 when he passed and it was a really hard time. I'm glad you were able to spend quality fun time with him recently, because those are the memories you will cherish. Prayers and hugs for you and your fam <3

  14. Nikki says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss! Praying for you and your family!

  15. Katie says:

    So sorry about your loss.
    That last picture is a great one to cherish!
    My prayers are with you and your family.

  16. Elizabeth says:

    Sooo sorry for your loss hun! Your Papa sounds like an amazing man. You and your family are in my prayers.

  17. Hailey says:

    So sorry for the loss!!Praying for you and your family.

  18. So sorry to hear about the loss of your Papa!:( So glad you recently had such a wonderful visit with him. You and your family are in my prayers.

  19. SSS says:

    My prayers are with you and your family. He is the CUTEST, though!

  20. Courtney says:

    Bless your heart sweet LouLou! I lost my grandpa on 9/11 in 2001 unrelated to the WTC and wasnt able to attend the funeral in NY. Your pictures and memories of your Papa will be cherished. Thinking of you and your family at this time!

  21. Shalyn says:

    Oh Allie 🙁 I am so so so so sorry to hear this. That last picture just made me tear up so much. Bless your heart and please know I'm praying for you and your family during this hard time. Xoxo…BIG HUGS.

  22. Keri says:

    Sorry for your loss LouLou! What a cute grandpa!

  23. I'm so sorry for your loss! Your grandfather seemed like an amazing man…and such a cutie! Praying for you and your family!

  24. simplysarah says:

    So sorry for your loss! your papa seems like he was a great man and leaves such a great legacy behind.

  25. Jenny says:

    Sorry for your loss LouLou 🙂 Your grandfather looked like a very sweet man. May he rest in peace, and always be with you in your heart 🙂

  26. Raven says:

    ok first a silly question I must ask… twitter was around back then, ten years ago?!? and I thought it came out like, 2 years ago.

    ok, now to the important stuff. The words you wrote here about your grandpa are the exact same words I could say about my Nonie. and like you said, if we all could be half the woman she was, we would be so lucky. and like you, my mom has 4 siblings and I know it was hard on them but every single one of them was with her when she went to Heaven. In a way, that is kinda pretty awesome to me.

    I will definitely keep you in my prayers miss Allie aka PLL! Also, how awesome that you got to see your grandpa and now you have those pictures to cherish forever 🙂

  27. Big hugs to you! I love that last picture of you two.

  28. I am so so sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a grandparent. I'll be praying for you and your family, I hope your time together is one filled with happy memories. It's obvious he was an incredible man, I'm sure you have another angel looking down on you now.
    xx, Katie

  29. asj says:

    thinking of you and your family during this difficult time!

  30. Katie says:

    I'm so sorry about your loss PLL! He sounds like one amazing man who will be missed greatly. I know heaven is lucky and happy to have him 🙂

    xoxo

  31. shay says:

    SO sorry for your loss… I will keep your family in my prayers…

  32. Allison says:

    so sorry for your loss! i lost my granddaddy on new year's eve, so i know all about important dates holding greater meaning. you and your family are in my prayers. i think your blog is fantastic!

  33. Sarah D. says:

    That last picture of you and your Papa is so sweet. Saying a prayer for you and your family. Safe travels!

  34. Chelsea says:

    I am so sorry for your loss. He sounds like such an admirable man. I adore that last picture of the two of you and the joy that's in his face. You're in my thoughts and prayers!!

  35. Glitterista says:

    So sorry to hear about your Papa. Glad you have so many happy memories that you've captured that you can look at now.

  36. Maura says:

    oh i'm so sorry for your loss! but it's so great that you've had so many wonderful times and memories with him! praying for you and your family!

  37. Your papa sounds like an incredible man! You were lucky to have him. God bless this week

  38. Christina says:

    He sounds like he was a great man! I'm sorry for your loss.

  39. Lyndse says:

    Your Papa sounds like he was a wonderful man. So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  40. Danielle says:

    Sounds like you have a lot to be proud of. He looks and sounds like quite the guy. I'm sorry for your loss.

    My husband is from Pikeville, by the way. I can't remember if I've commented on that before or not.

  41. Laura says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Papa looks so precious. I love that last picture of the 2 of you! It sounds like he lived a very full life. Praying for your mom and the rest of your family!

  42. Kate says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts <3 @BostonKate

  43. CALLIE says:

    That last picture is the sweetest thing ever!! Praying for you.

  44. So sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts.

  45. Rebekka says:

    Your family is in my prayers! I also just lost my grandfather and though I was expecting it like you were, I know that doesn't make you miss someone any less. But I am sure he is looking down on all of y'all so content to know how much you loved him.

  46. Mariposa says:

    i am so very sorry to hear of your loss. i will be praying for you and your family during this time. wishing you peace and safe travels!

  47. Rachel says:

    Sorry for your loss of your grandpa. I got tears in my eyes just reading this because it took me back to the days my g'pas passed away. Miss them every day! 🙂
    What sweet pictures from his party!
    You and your family are in my prayers

  48. Nikki says:

    I'm sorry for you loss. No matter how expected it is it's still heart breaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  49. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family -e

  50. dottie says:

    Sorry about your Grandpa! Hugs to you and your family during this time!

  51. Michelle says:

    Sorry for your loss girl *hugs*

  52. Mighty Burns says:

    You are so right about 9/11 I definatly remember my day that day. it left such a nasty hole in us all.
    Im so sooo sorry to hear that your grandpa has passed. its never easy to say good bye to loved ones. But luckily you did just have a good celebration, and marked an important day with him! 90years! my goodness what a full life. he sounds so amazing, and is just beaming in all those pictures. (love the black and white)
    Email of course if you need to vent or talk 🙂

    -B

  53. So very, very sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am glad that he went peacefully and that you last memories of him are so good.

  54. KAS says:

    I am terribly sorry for your loss. I know the feeling my grandpa passed away 6 months ago and yesterday was his memorial mass. I was saddened that I couldn't be there. I will keep your family in my prayers. I am glad he went peacefully.

  55. Tiffany says:

    I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Losing a grandparent is a horrible thing, no matter when or how it happens. It sounds like he was absolutely a wonderful man and that you were very luck to have him in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.

    ~Tiffany
    http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com

  56. JR Mazur says:

    sending lots of love and prayer to you and your family!

  57. S says:

    Lou Lou – so sorry for your loss. Looks like he was an amazing man. Peace and love to your family.

  58. Tiffany says:

    Sorry about your loss. It looked like he enjoyed a memorable life. xoxx tiffany

  59. Michelle says:

    I am so very sorry for you and your family's loss. You all will be in my prayers.

  60. Brown Girl says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss, sweet girl. Looks like he was a wonderful, happy man. xoxo

  61. Mrs. WASP says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss Sugar, you and the family are in my prayers. XX

  62. Sorry about the loss of your Papa. He sounds like an incredible man who did much with his amazing life. Hugs!

  63. Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man that was so respected. I was already tearing up, but that last picture made the bubble burst. I know you are so thankful to have such precious memories. I will be praying for you & your family.

  64. Honor says:

    Praying for you. X

  65. my deepest sympathy for your family's loss. it's never easy to say goodbye, even when it's expected.

  66. Bri says:

    Hi girly, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of you grandpa. My heart hurts for your and your family. I lost my grandfather last October and I know how tough that is. You're in my prayers!

  67. Kristen says:

    So sorry for your loss. Losing a grandparent is always hard, I just lost one of my earlier this year. Every so often I still get sad by it, but there are many more better days now, and I will remember and love her always – as I'm sure you will too. He sounded like a wonderful man. 🙂

  68. I'm sorry for your loss. Even if you expected it it really doesn't make it any easier. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

  69. Jenna says:

    I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your grandfather. I hope that you and your family are able to find comfort in his memories. *hugs*

  70. Praying for you and your family! I know how hard it can be.

    Rachel
    http://j-peachy.blogspot.com

  71. Summer says:

    I'm sorry to hear about your grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this tough time. *hugs*

  72. Sophie P says:

    I am so sorry to hear your news… Keep smiling and stay positive. XXXXXX

  73. Carrie says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss. Even though it was expected, I know that doesn't make it any easier. You and your family are in my prayers. So happy that you got to see him a few weeks ago at his party.

  74. Tricia says:

    The last picture with the two of you, is just so precious. That smile just melts the heart. I'm so terribly sorry for your loss. Grandparents are so very special, and touch us like no other.

  75. So sorry you for you loss. What great pictures and memories you have to remember him by.

  76. This post is precious…he looks so happy in the picture with you. The last one with you and your grandpa is so sweet.

    XO
    Leigh

  77. Just My Life says:

    I am so sorry to hear about your Papa. Yesterday was a tough day for my family as well. My dad who is 80 years old has been in the hospital since Saturday with a kidney infection. When I woke up yesterday I received a phone call from my mother who told me that the doctors had called her and told her that he was in the midst of a heart attack and asked us how far we wanted to go with treating him. Thankfully it wasn't as bad as it could have been, but it still scared us. I'm glad your last memory of your Papa is a good one. May he rest in peace and may God be with you and your family this week.

  78. lauren says:

    i am very sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather.
    there is nothing in the world like the love for and from a grandparent. they are true gems! 🙂
    *

  79. SFox says:

    So sorry for your loss.

  80. Lela Belle says:

    I am so sorry for your loss! Losing a Grandparent, especially a hero like yours, is difficult!

    Is it Pikeville, NC? If so, I am close by… let me know if you need anything!

    I'll keep you and your family in my prayers!

  81. Shannon says:

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my grandfather back in June of this year so my heart truly goes out to you….

  82. Emily says:

    So sorry for your loss 🙁

  83. I'm so sorry for your loss, Allison. Thank you for sharing these pictures with us! It seems like the world will be a little less without him.

  84. Miranda says:

    so sorry for your loss! that last picture is precious!

  85. Lindsey says:

    I'm so sorry Allie boo. I want to give you a hug, but I'm so happy that you got to spend that time with him so recently. Love you! These pics are priceless. XOXOXO X a million.

  86. Beth says:

    Allison I'm so sorry for your loss. He seems like such an amazing man who will be missed by so many. Tons of hugs to you and your family.

    xo

    madeupdarling.blogspot.com

  87. ~Katie says:

    So sorry for your loss…Prayers for you and your family!

  88. Annabelle says:

    You and you family are in my prayers. Always remember the great memories you have with you Papa.

  89. -Emily- says:

    So sorry to hear about your grandfather. He sounds like such a wonderful person….and looks like such a sweetheart in your pics 🙂

  90. Ashley says:

    So sorry for your loss. He sounded like an amazing man! Sending thoughts and prayers to you xoxo

  91. Brittany says:

    I am so sorry to hear about your grandpa. He sounds like an amazing man! I will be praying for you in the upcoming days! 🙂

  92. Aw, I am so, so sorry to hear this. Your Papa looks like the sweetest man. I will keep you and your family in my prayers, sweet girl!

  93. I'm so sorry to hear about your granddad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family xx

  94. Elizabeth says:

    So sorry for your loss! Thinking about you and your family! xoxo

  95. ashley says:

    I'm so sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

  96. MrsKinne says:

    So sorry for your loss. I'll be sending lots of positive thoughts to you and your family.

  97. Simply Sarah says:

    I'm so sorry 🙁 I lost my grandmother earlier this year and I still have days where everything reminds me of her. Stay strong!! Love from Alabama

  98. Dear LouLou,

    Tears in my eyes reading your memories. Last month my grandfather passed away as well… 90 years old (we had a big party, too!), five children, a veteran. We'll miss him on the holidays and miss the family patron being around. Praying for you and your family as you celebrate your grandpa's life and all he meant to you.

  99. Kerr says:

    I'm so sorry to hear about your grandfather. My thoughts are with your family.

  100. Elle says:

    I lost my grandfather on 4/1/2004. It will always be a day I remember. My mother came into my room and I will never in my life forget her words. She told me "My daddy left me" It was the first time I ever saw pain like that in my mother's face. It was the first time I had to be strong for her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and may they always remember the good times and love that your grandfather gave them.

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