Family treasures

Once in a while, I look through old photo albums and see how my cousins and I have grown up. This past weekend, we all sat down together and scoured photo albums from our childhood, even finding photos that we had never seen. Some from before our time, some that had just fallen through the cracks. We also searched the basement and closets for clues of things we had never been told, just because we had never cared to ask.

Through our searching, we learned all about my papa's childhood, and his dreams for the future. We found photos that had never surfaced until we went hunting, of times that had long passed. Gathered around the kitchen island, we reminisced about how many times each of us had been 'kicked out f the family' for one reason or another. (I was the only one who had never been kicked out). We talked about Halloweens and carving pumpkins, nicknames, car rides to the country club; in-depth conversations about school and education. My papa had always given me a hard time about wanting to write for a living, yet in middle school, his dream was to be a photographer and editor for the Tribune. Well Papa, I might not be writing for the Tribune, but one of the last things we talked about, was my articles being published and you said how proud of me you were. Now I know just how proud you really were.

I'll also remember how you were always 'the big man' and the head of the family and the green and white striped polo you loved to wear so much. You were always around when any of us needed to talk, or needed anything, even if you weren't always the warmest member of the family.

There are too many things to list them all, but I do know that life will not be the same without you. I am so glad that I had the chance to see you and say goodbye over Thanksgiving. You are the best Papa I could ever ask for, I love you and will miss you always. And don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Bubby for you. :)

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mcall/obituary.aspx?n=max-stettner&pid=168366619&fhid=6123