Looking For Papa
Friday, June 13, 2014 at 04:50PM 
I'm not quite sure who is the most fortunate in the threesome of "boys"...is it the little boys or the one very sweet Big boy..I do know that their "game" is having fun. Whenever they are together you can be sure Papa is right in the middle, not only taking good care of them but totally enjoying his experiences with them...It's like being a Dad all over again, without any of the responsibilities...as for me, I get to witness it all and take the photo's...and yes, I get my fair share of love also....but today is Papa's Day..and the boys are coming to Maine...and I can guarantee you...there will be lots of Papa request.. and he never says No...
Jaxson and Liam both know that if they have any problems with any toy, bike or something that needs batteries, Papa is the fix-it man...and you know what...he always gets it right...lots of times, during the day, I hear a little voice calling "PAPA"...and I know that a repair job is needed..I love that Jaxson looks on, just to make sure Papa knows what he's doing...and Liam also has his lists of request during the day also...Papa is a busy guy when the boys are around.
All Jaxson has to do is smile that smile and flash those baby blue eyes and Papa becomes putty in his hands...actually, we all do...who can resist such sweetness...He's a charmer and a manipulator for sure..
Liam learned to trust in the process with Papa...he is always there to catch him when he falters or leaps in the wrong direction..Papa's arms are always stretched out to comfort and hold them whenever a hug is needed or a story read. He gives them the assurance that they need and then they move forward again..
The boys have been walking a path with Papa since Liam was a toddler...holding hands as they go, they navigate through conversation and trust...learning of life and of each other...comfortable in their stride and building beautiful memories...these moments are some of my favorites and I'm sure both Papa and Liam would agree...Jaxson, starts this year to be able to walk the paths with Papa...should be just as beautiful.
Maine the way life should be for both grown men and little boys...Freedom to be outside and experience all that is most prescious in life. Learning how to steer the boat and swim...learning at the feet of a Grandfather all life's most important lessons...but mostly learning how to value time and love. To smell pine needles and watch the sunset, to hear the cry of the loons...to toast marshmellows or make smores on an open camp fire..to run and yell and cook on the grill...all the time, with your Papa close by watching over you..and at night...two boys tucked in between a Papa and a Nana, storying telling...in the big bed. Bliss
Wherever these two boys travel in life...I know that they will take all the love and lessons of a very special Papa with them...they are his entertainment and his joy...in the same sense, they are very fortunate to have such a loving and attenative Papa....a Papa who, like small children, doesn't know what the word No means when it comes to being a great Papa...yes, is his word for them, not matter what they want...
Happy Father's Day Papa....the boys are here.
"Great fathers get promoted to grandfathers"
"a grandparent has the wisdom of long experience and the love of an understanding heart."
Last photo taken by Jenna Barton of the boys...but I just love it...
Although my blog is used for all my photography, it's main purpose has always been a journal to my family. Some day..I hope that all of my children will have the desire to read it and understand my love for them...so please excuse me if sometimes it takes a more personal turn...on the other hand I love when anyone visits.
2014 family, Jaxson, Liam, home, papa | Share Article →
Reader Comments (12)
Those photos and those memories are priceless!
Thank you Denise and thanks for always stopping by...I know you share the love of being a Grandmother...it is the Greatest Gift....
Dearest Cheryl,
I write this with tears running down my face.
You know I am one of your biggest blogger friends, and am a bit prejudiced because I also know you in person, even if we only spent that one short afternoon at Goose Rocks Beach! However, I have a special request. Could you somehow make this blog into a little book using "Blurb" or one of those sites? I would love to order a copy. A softcover would be fine. Have you ever done anything like this? What a gift it would be to your family (and me, tee hee) . . . I'm so serious. No pressure, of course, but, ahem, ahem, ahem . . . and if you taught another class, what a great "sampler" it would be for inspiration. OK, I'll leave you with that thought for now! Perhaps, some day, you and your family will show up in Stonington Harbor aboard the Cheryl Lee!!! I'll be happy to arrange a book signing at our local bookstore! xox a
I love this! You & Jim are creating a foundation for your grandsons, along with their parents, that will stand them in good stead all their lives.
A beautiful post!
As always this is beautifully written and photographed, Cheryl, but there's such a tenderness and respect and awe for Papa that shines through this post and touches my heart. What a very lucky bunch you all are!
My Friend, you have melted my heart with this post. I'm sorry to be so long getting here to read and comment....as I have said, it bears repeating, your writing and thoughts are simply precious, and have a way of pulling from my heart what I would love to have said. So beautiful! Your husband is blessed to have you capturing and documenting these memories, and the grandsons are blessed to have you both giving them that extra love and attention that only grandparents can do! Your husband,, well he is an awesome Papa, husband and father. Happy Father's day (a bit late)!
Cheryl this is such a beautiful sentiment! I love to watch the bond between my granddaughters and husband aka Papa!
Thank you to all my favorite girls for checking in on the boys and Papa...I know that Papa read all your comments and really appreciate your words...psst he signed up for e-mail notice to get my posts...I hope I'm not intimidated by that..
Have a beautiful week.
A truly wonderful family of children, parents ands grandparents love it Cheryl...
What a beautiful, heartfelt post. I was hanging on every word, feeling the love. The story wouldn't be the same without the wonderful photos.
Jim gets my Grandpa of the year award :)) Psst....I figured it was high time I got my ass over here before you found another heart sister. LOL
I love all of you and your words mean so much to me and what I'm doing here...each time you visit it's like we had tea together...
Happiest of summers to all of you..