by Adam Hoover
(Brandon, Ms)
Tessa, I remember my first Christmas without my favorite grandfather. I know what you are going through, and I want you to know how available I am for you. I love you more than you know. You're more than a friend to me. You're my sister. I care for you. And because of that, I want to share your pawpaws story here..
David E. Moore was your typical American made, down home, good hearted, man. He loved his family with more might than I ever saw anyone love before. He came into this world on October 1, 1928. St. John, LA would be the place where it all started. I didn't personally know John or Lula, but I can't imagine they were anything but over joyed with the birth of their baby boy.
Life went on as normal as possible. Living life to the fullest. Making every moment count. His life was met with so many outstanding accomplishments. He is a decorated veteran of the United States Army. He loved his country. I know this because of the time I knew him. His most treasured moment in life, however, was when he met a certain little lady who would change his life forever; for the better. Joan Moore.
This lady, according to papaw, hung the moon. He loved that woman with so much conviction. Tessa and I sat her room on multiple occasions with her telling me about his beautiful her grandma was. How she hoped to have even half the love that her grandparents showed each other. They had a wonderful marriage. Unfortunately, David lost his wife to cancer. I can't imagine the grief it must feel is heaped upon you to lose your life partner. Tessa missed her so fiercely. Tessa revels in the memories of their love and how much they were made for each other. Papaw was nothing but a saint throughout the final months of her life. He took care of that woman as if it was the only thing he EVER wanted to do. Papaw was a hero.
Papaw left us on October 28, 2013. He battled cancer as well. He put up a good fight; keeping a smile on his face every time he could muster it up. I tried to be there for papaw and Tessa as much as I possibly could. I wanted to make sure my best friend was ok. And I wanted to make sure a man that I now look up to, was a a comfortable as possible.
Tessa, I love you, beautiful. As long as I am alive and breathing, you will have family. Someone to talk to. Someone to cry to. Someone to laugh with. I hope the holidays are warm while you are with people you love. Papaw looks down on you with every second that passes. He couldn't be more proud of the woman you have grown to be.
Keep that big heart, pretty girl.
And papaw, I'll see you again someday, pardner. :)