It's never easy to say goodbye to someone you love. I have done it twice. My father passed away when I was 15; my grandmother when I was 30. Sadly, I am doing it again. Jack Prescott is the father of Peggy, who is the mother of my wife. My youngest son is named after Jack; an honor Diane and I felt was fitting.
From humble beginnings, to helping save the world from tyranny - as well as being a faithful husband, father, and grandfather - Jack left a legacy of faith and honesty that lives on in his great-grandchildren today. My mother-in-law has shown me great compassion and love throughout my life, most of it probably undeserved. There is no doubt in my mind where she learned it from. Jack also influenced my wife to be the quiet, humble servant of the Lord that she is; for this, words of thanks seem meager at best. Meeting my wife is the best thing that ever happened to me. Without her, I don't know if I would know the Lord the way I do. So it is easy to see just how influential one man of God can be.
Even though Jack and I spent very little time together, I will miss him. As so many of his generation leave this earth every day, I am reminded of the sacrifice and dedication they had, to leave this world better than they found it. For Jack, ifs easy to see just how much better it is just by looking at his family.
Thank you Mr. Prescott for your enduring example of everything a man should be. Please tell my father and grandmother I love them, and save a place in the Lord's Army in Heaven, for I would be honored to serve with you.
Billy
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Dear Grandpa,
For my entire life you have been the biggest hero in this world to me, the man I look up to the most, and my role model. I have always wanted an opportunity to show my valor in the way you were able to for the United States of America, but because of your bravery, courage, and actions on far shores, I never have to. You will always have my gratitude for this, and I will tell my children and grandchildren about you and the hero that you are to all of us. You have always been the best example a man could have of what it means to be a man, a gentleman, a Godly man, and a hard worker. I am always proud to tell anyone I meet about you, and I will always be. Because of your example, I will always try to be someone my own grandchildren can be proud of as well.
Your loving grandson,
Samuel
P.S. If our Lord ever grants me a son, he will be named after you.
For my entire life you have been the biggest hero in this world to me, the man I look up to the most, and my role model. I have always wanted an opportunity to show my valor in the way you were able to for the United States of America, but because of your bravery, courage, and actions on far shores, I never have to. You will always have my gratitude for this, and I will tell my children and grandchildren about you and the hero that you are to all of us. You have always been the best example a man could have of what it means to be a man, a gentleman, a Godly man, and a hard worker. I am always proud to tell anyone I meet about you, and I will always be. Because of your example, I will always try to be someone my own grandchildren can be proud of as well.
Your loving grandson,
Samuel
P.S. If our Lord ever grants me a son, he will be named after you.
I am not articulate enough to write what fills my heart when I think of my Daddy.
I have so many wonderful memories of daddy. Memories that are unique for my Daddy. Memories that only my sisters and I would have. I don't think many children would have their daddy lasso them as they ran by. Not many would watch their daddy crack a bullwhip.
Daddy would call me over after he sharpened his pocketknife to carefully shave off some of my arm hair. Daddy would take us to the cattle auction and tell us to not move our arms or else we would have to buy a cow.
I am so thankful Daddy taught me to fish. He first took me to the phosphate pits and gave me a cane pole with a bobber. I caught bluegills while he fished for bass. One day he cast his lure and it caught me in the back of the neck. I remember that afternoon! I have so many memories of fishing over the years. I especially loved fishing at Uncle Jimmy's camp on the river.
That brings up that Daddy taught me about camping and nature. From a very young age, I remember Daddy teaching me about plants, trees, birds, animals. We went camping every Thanksgiving weekend on the bombing range at the start of deer season. My sisters and I were always on the lookout for parachutes and wreckage we could look over and scavenge.
Daddy taught me how to identify animal tracks...he tried to teach me how to use a turkey caller. He taught me how to shoot and I watched him clean his guns. Daddy sitting and cleaning his guns always seemed like a peaceful time.
When Daddy taught me about plants he gave me a great gift. I enjoy my garden so much and it is because he taught me how to garden. Daddy's gardens and plants have always been so beautiful. Speaking of gardens...We would go to gardens like Cypress Gardens around Tampa. Daddy would tell Mama to bring a big purse. He would break off pieces of plants to start back home and put them in Mama's purse. Mama must have had some dirty purses.
Daddy taught me how to drive. Thankfully, we lived in an area where there wasn't much traffic. He was very patient and after going through the experience of Rachel learning to drive, I know how stressful a child driving can be. I still don't like to be in the car with Rachel, but Daddy never seemed to mind.
Both Mama and Daddy taught me to be handy around the house, but Daddy really taught me to not be intimidated by hammers, nails, screwdriver and power tools. Because of Daddy, I can re-wire my lamps.
Daddy is very handsome. I have always thought he looks like Randolph Scott. I enjoy Randolph Scott movies because he usually plays cowboys and I always think of Daddy.
I have been so blessed to have Daddy in my life. I have missed so much by living so far away from my parents, but what Daddy helped instill in my during my childhood has guided me through life. God gave me the right Daddy for me.
I love you, Daddy.
Carol
I have so many wonderful memories of daddy. Memories that are unique for my Daddy. Memories that only my sisters and I would have. I don't think many children would have their daddy lasso them as they ran by. Not many would watch their daddy crack a bullwhip.
Daddy would call me over after he sharpened his pocketknife to carefully shave off some of my arm hair. Daddy would take us to the cattle auction and tell us to not move our arms or else we would have to buy a cow.
I am so thankful Daddy taught me to fish. He first took me to the phosphate pits and gave me a cane pole with a bobber. I caught bluegills while he fished for bass. One day he cast his lure and it caught me in the back of the neck. I remember that afternoon! I have so many memories of fishing over the years. I especially loved fishing at Uncle Jimmy's camp on the river.
That brings up that Daddy taught me about camping and nature. From a very young age, I remember Daddy teaching me about plants, trees, birds, animals. We went camping every Thanksgiving weekend on the bombing range at the start of deer season. My sisters and I were always on the lookout for parachutes and wreckage we could look over and scavenge.
Daddy taught me how to identify animal tracks...he tried to teach me how to use a turkey caller. He taught me how to shoot and I watched him clean his guns. Daddy sitting and cleaning his guns always seemed like a peaceful time.
When Daddy taught me about plants he gave me a great gift. I enjoy my garden so much and it is because he taught me how to garden. Daddy's gardens and plants have always been so beautiful. Speaking of gardens...We would go to gardens like Cypress Gardens around Tampa. Daddy would tell Mama to bring a big purse. He would break off pieces of plants to start back home and put them in Mama's purse. Mama must have had some dirty purses.
Daddy taught me how to drive. Thankfully, we lived in an area where there wasn't much traffic. He was very patient and after going through the experience of Rachel learning to drive, I know how stressful a child driving can be. I still don't like to be in the car with Rachel, but Daddy never seemed to mind.
Both Mama and Daddy taught me to be handy around the house, but Daddy really taught me to not be intimidated by hammers, nails, screwdriver and power tools. Because of Daddy, I can re-wire my lamps.
Daddy is very handsome. I have always thought he looks like Randolph Scott. I enjoy Randolph Scott movies because he usually plays cowboys and I always think of Daddy.
I have been so blessed to have Daddy in my life. I have missed so much by living so far away from my parents, but what Daddy helped instill in my during my childhood has guided me through life. God gave me the right Daddy for me.
I love you, Daddy.
Carol
I thank God that I have a daddy able to show me patience and forgiveness. I'm grateful for the sacrifice you made for my generation to live in freedom. Thank you for putting your life on paper so I can remember, laugh, and cry at your stories.
Thanks most of all for just being you!
Love forever,
Lavena
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Thanks most of all for just being you!
Love forever,
Lavena
May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
My dearest Grandpa,
I love you!
I love you SO much.
If I could have one wish, it would be that you were still the strong, healthy, cowboy hat wearing man, who always called me "Diner"...
the man who worked hard, laughed out loud watching Hee Haw, and created all kinds of things with his hands and tools...
the man who grew orchids, planted a garden of food, and laid an irrigation system with water that smelled of sulfur and let his grandchildren "help"...
the man who proudly attended the Independence bay parade each year, who loved his country, who serve it admirably...
the man who was so kind and gently to his grandchildren, who lovingly guided them, who taught them what a true man is.
How can I say goodbye?
I don't want to say goodbye.
I want you to live forever. I cry, but I am comforted in knowing that you know the Lord, and you will live forever.
If I can't see you again on this side of Heaven, I will see you there.
I love you, Grandpa.
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