Bittersweet afternoon....

This is one of my most favorite memories of my Granddaddy...air popped popcorn! Almost every time my brother and I would go over to our grandparent's house we wouldn't be allowed to leave without eating popcorn. Just when we thought it was time to leave, we would hear that familiar sound coming from the kitchen.

Nana would instinctively roll her eyes and say, "Charlie, they don't need popcorn. It's too late." But, despite her objections, he would bring us each a large bowl. Then Nana would pour us some diet Ginger Ale. We would be there another hour or so, eating our weight in popcorn! It was so good!

Even when Granddaddy's health was deteriorating, he would shuffle up the stairs to the kitchen. We may have not each had a bowl, but it was still wonderful!

After he died, Nana gave me his air popper and one of the bowls he used often. That gift meant more to me than anything!

I didn't use it very much at first. But, in the past year or so, I have made bowls and bowls of popcorn for Emma and TJ. They LOVE it!! I know Granddaddy would have loved to see them enjoy the popcorn as much as Rob and I did!

The other day I was making popcorn for the kids when Ed noticed that the cord was getting really hot. Not wanting to start an electrical fire, he unplugged it. Well, long story short, the Air Popper has seen its last day :( 

I placed it in the trash today and sobbed. I felt like I was throwing away one of my precious memories of Granddaddy. See, his popcorn was a way to keep his grandkids around just a little longer. He loved us so much and cherished every second he got with us!

I miss him so much and I cannot wait to see him again in Heaven one day...now that's going to be some great popcorn!!!