Papa Ralph

I was blessed to be able to make it to Tampa for Ralph Walker Sr.'s funeral today. It was very last minute because Zach was trying to stretch a way to get me here. Something in me just needed to see him again before he was "gone."

Of course, he was already gone when I got down here, but just to be able to see that physical shell he was in while on this Earth brought me peace. I could say, he's gone.

Papa Ralph was placed into my life (and soo many others) at the exact moment that I needed him and Gran Shirley. I needed Ralph's strong hugs and unfettering love. I had been hurt badly by the men in my life before going to college and that is exactly why I 'ran away' to Florida College. I didn't realize I was running to exactly the right place.

God knows exactly what we need and who we need at each point in our lives. I am so grateful that Papa Ralph was here on this Earth while I needed him. I still feel like I need him, but he was done with his work on this Earth, and boy did he do an amazing job.

If only we could all strive to be the Ralph Walker in someone else's life.

♥ Ashley