Love Your Angel Child

Papa Darcy - 2009

Yesterday was my papa's birthday. He is the only man I've ever called Papa and he held that title in every sense of the word. Most people don't have the same connection with their 'papas' as I did with mine. Many of my young young toddler memories are with him and my Grandma Mary. He loved playing with us kids and coming up with the greatest things to entertain us.

Papa Darcy & I - 2010 - the last time I saw Papa

Papa always had new water guns for our summer games. Of course Papa's was always the biggest and bestest - just so he could ensure he soaked us while running circles around him. At Christmas every year, Papa made sure we put out reindeer food and goodies to draw in Santa Claus. Papa even 'caught' Santa and kept a few of his items one year. He really knew how to make life magical. 

Papa and I loved listening to Lee Greenwood together and other country music. He bought me my first country CD and first pair of chucks, which were hi-tops and purple when I was in 7th grade. I still own them and wear them randomly. 

Papa and I were very close, regardless how much time went by in between visits. He used to tell me about how much he worried about me and loved when he got the chance to spend time with me. He'd say that's why he loved to spoil me in every way he could. And he was good at it! He always called me his Angel Child. I know he still watches over me today. 

In honor of Papa - 2011

For those of you who knew Papa Darcy, he spent a lot of my growing years sick and continued to worsen as time went by. I remember being in the hospital with him when a tumor was removed from his brain and he had multiple staples across his forehead. I was amazed by his strength to get through that kind of surgery. My Papa was heroic because of his battle for every year of life he survived during his illness. 

Wings redone the way I originally wanted them - hand drawn, no stencil done, this is just the outline - 2012

I'm beyond grateful for the time I knew my Papa. He was so interesting to listen to as he told stories about everything he knew. He would explain the tattoos that covered his hands and cussed like a sailor until the day he went. But that was my Papa and I wouldn't have changed anything about him, not for the world. 

I LOVE YOU PAPA!!! 

LOVE YOUR ANGEL CHILD <3