This is my grandpa. Papa as we call him. He is a Veteran who served during the Korean War. Today I am especially thankful for him and all of the Veterans who have served and continue to serve our country. They bravely and selflessly give of their lives so that you and I can live in a place of freedom. But this man, he is my favorite Veteran. I am proud to be his granddaughter. You see, not only did he serve our country, but he continually serves those around him in his everyday life. I have always considered him one of my greatest role models of Christ, but lately I have seen Jesus in him more than ever. A couple of years ago my Nannie, his wife, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It is a terrible disease and so hard to watch someone you love be tortured by it. My papa has selflessly cared for and loved her every single day of this battle. I know his days are long and hard, but he never complains. When they got married 60 years ago and he promised to love her in sickness and in health, I’m sure he never imagined this is what that meant, but here he is fulfilling that promise to this day. What a beautiful picture of Christ’s love for us! I am daily reminded of this because of how I see him love his family.
So thank you Papa for your service to our country. Thank you for the way you have and continue to serve and love our family. Thank you for the way you care for Nannie. Most importantly, thank you for showing us what it means to love Jesus and for continually pointing us to Christ by being His hands and feet. We love you!
Coincidentally, November is National Alzheimer’s Disease and Awareness Month and Family Caregivers Month. To learn more about the disease and ways you can help raise awareness and to honor caregivers, go here.
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