Poem to Pops

Sherman Ward Hailes,  known as Pops by most, went to be with the Lord late last night.  He was an amazing man and will be truly missed by everyone he ever met.  He made a lasting impression, one way or another, on every one he came in contact with.
I think back to the mornings he came to my house and took my then 2 year old on adventures in the woods.  I watched through the blinds as they went across the road and down the trail until I couldn't see them anymore.  One day he decided to take string to tie on their trail so Jax could find his way out in case something were to happen to him.  He made Jaxon lead him back home so he felt confident he could make it if he needed to.  I wasn't worried about that considering he was the bill of health until shortly after his 92nd birthday this past May 4th.  Many mornings I peeked through those blinds wondering where on earth they were and how I was going to drag 2 premature newborns out to track them down in the woods.  They always came back safe and sound, usually with some crazy tale about what they saw along the way.
I could go on and on about Pops, and the crazy things he did.  Many of the stories you probably wouldn't believe unless you witnessed it yourself and I wouldn't do them justice anyway.  He was a brilliant man, a wealth of knowledge, a big ole rough and tumble teddy bear.  I'll leave you with this poem I wrote to him this morning and a few pics.

Poem to Pops

You built chairs and you sold them for way too cheap
From where you got your supplies is a secret we all will keep

You had duct tape on your shoes and holes in your pants
You could kick your foot above your head and barked like a dog at every chance

My kids were always waiting for some dumpster diving surprise
Which always made me crazy but was a treasure in their eyes

I let them eat chips and candy with you, that was surely out of date
They had no idea and just like you they thought it tasted great

I'm sure right now all the crying and carrying on wouldn't make you happy
You never did like it when people started getting sappy

But you have to understand we will never know someone as crazy and funny and silly as you
Although I'm pretty sure Poppi is a close number 2

So dance a jig in heaven, rippin' and snortin' too
And until we see you there, know how much we'll miss and love you

Look at all his pearly whites!  :)

Uh-oh, now he's missing a few! 

Classic Pops, tongue out!

This was on his birthday this year.  Notice the big bowl of Blue Bell Butter Pecan icecream.  His favorite!  

Poppi and Pops enjoying a yummy breakfast made by Nana.  They fixed him breakfast every morning once he got sick.  And that doesn't even begin to touch on all they did for him!

I snapped this pic of Pops one day when we were over taking care of him.  He loved this shirt we made for him years ago.  It says "I am Super Pops, just ask Camron, Jaxon and Caden".  Super Pops he was!