Papa L

This is my favorite picture of him because it incapsulates so much of his personality. He filled a room with his presence because he was so aware of the people around him. He built so many meaningful relationships and impacted so many peoples lives by just being an attentive listener and a thoughtful friend. I can remember being a little girl and sitting on his lap and him giving me scratchy kisses on his cheek. I have learned from Papa the value of learning peoples names and greeting everyone with a warm smile. Papa L was like Christ in that way. Every relationship was important.

He passed away on October 30, 2020.

I started drawing this when he was sick and we were uncertain of the Lord’s timing for Papa. I was inspired by scrolling through his Caring Bridge that informed everyone of Papa’s condition and allowed them to share encouraging words for Papa in return. I was overwhelmed with the broad diversity of people who wanted to write to Papa. People from our old country club, couples from their church, concierge from places Mimi and Papa had visited, and families that knew him from his grandkids school events. People had gone out of their way and spent time to thank Papa for how he had encouraged them. I finished my drawing on the 30th and wrote a few of the sweet things people left on his page. I love Papa very much and hope I always remember to treat people with the same respect and excitement Papa L did.