We will miss you, Pappaw Luke

Pappaw, Granny (holding me) and Susan (my aunt)

posing on a Sunday afternoon.

Pappaw, me and Granny before one of Granny's

high school reunions.

Susan, Pappaw Luke, Granny and I at the beach.

The first time he ever saw the ocean!!

Thanks for all of your prayers, calls, well wishes and concern for my Pappaw Luke. Sorry I have not blogged in a few days, but I think that we knew his time on this Earth was drawing near and we wanted to spend as much time with him as possible at the hospital. Friday night, he was moved into MICU, so we could wait outside to see him a few minutes at a time. He just could not overcome the pneumonia that was overtaking his lungs. He had such a good attitude, he never complained or asked anything of us. He just would have a big grin on his face whenever we would come into his room. He just wanted us to surround him. On Monday, March 24th, his body was tired and he was ready to go home. I know that Jesus welcomed him into heaven Monday morning. God answered many prayers in that my grandmother, my mom and her brothers and sisters did not have to make hard decisions about whether or not to put him on machines, but that Pappaw slipped off into a peaceful sleep. He did not suffer in death. He was such a special man. A wonderful daddy, granddaddy and great-grandaddy. We will miss him terribly, but we are at peace knowing he is not suffering anymore. I will be 29 years old in June, and I had all four grandparents this entire time. It is has been very hard to let Pappaw Luke go. I know you try to prepare your mind, but you are NEVER ready to let them go. So doing the funeral home thing was a new experience. I never knew how taxing it was on the family, but I also never knew how thankful you are to the people who come to pay their respects. It gave me a whole new outlook on why paying your respects to your family and friends is so important. His funeral was yesterday, and it was so beautiful. He was an wonderful man and we are selfish in the loss, but rejoicing that he is in a far better place. I love you, Pappaw Luke!!!!

Where have the Coleys been?!?!?!?!

The house "Extreme Home Makeover" made over in Louisville.

Albert's prized possession from the trip. His own Louisville Slugger Bat!!!

The outside of the Louisville Slugger Museum. The bat is over 100 feet tall!!!

So we have not fallen off the face of the Earth, though those closest to us have not seen us much lately. Well first off, I (Mandy), had a school trip to the Schlechty Center (you school people will know what this is) in Louisville, Kentucky to participate in a Coaching for Design workshop. It was a GREAT experience, and I had a great group to travel with. There were only four of us from Whitfield County, and I think we represented well!!! We also were able to take in some of the sights of the town while we were there. Albert took care of things at home and did a fabulous job!! While I was gone, my grandfather on my mom's side suffered a stroke and has lost some movement in his arm, legs, and it has affected his ability to swallow. He is still in the hospital in Dalton. He also has some pneumonia. We would really appreciate your prayers for him. His name is Luke Hill. Albert is still teaching and doing a great job I might add. The kids are loving his class. Getting middle schoolers to sing is a huge feat!!! And most of them enjoy it!!! Albert also just finished singing with a group that performed Tuesday night at a church in Chattanooga, and he will perform Brahms Requiem with the Chattanooga Symphony and Orchestra on Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th at the Tivoli. Whew....no wonder we are never home. We miss you all and hope to see you soon. Again, we ask for your prayers for my grandfather!! Love to you all!!