For as long as I can remember, Grandpa has always been “Paky”. As I recall, it was my cousin, Brandy, who came up with this name. Growing up, I didn't think much of it...it's all I ever knew. As I got older, I began to realize how unique it was. Now, thinking back, I wouldn't have it any other way. A unique nickname only fits a unique grandpa, and I love that he was our “Paky”.
I will never forget the times my parents would leave us to stay the night with Hermie and Paky. Grant and I were just in elementary school. Paky would sit us at the kitchen table and make us a cup of coffee. He would load it with milk and sugar, so it tasted good to us. Grant and I thought we were something else. The four of us would sit there drinking coffee while Paky would convince us to take a few puffs of his cigar. We got the biggest kick out of it. Paky would laugh and laugh. He would always say, “Now when your mom and dad come to pick you up, don't you guys go squealing on me.”
When morning came, Paky would give us a buck and take us to the candy store to spend our money. He would sit in the van while we ran in the store to fill up our small brown bags with as much candy as our dollar would get us. When we came back out, he'd ask to see how much we bought. I will never forget those days. Life was so simple when it was spent with them...simple, yet never dull. We all know that with Paky, there was never a dull moment.
More than anything, I will miss his laugh. He had a laugh that could be heard from miles away. He laughed more than anyone I've ever known. I will miss all of his crazy nicknames for people. I will miss him poking fun at everyone he spoke to. So often we hear the saying “they're a one of kind”, but with Paky there couldn't be more truth in that saying.
Paky, I love you and I will miss you.
(This is what I read at the funeral.)
This was our last picture together....taken at Thanksgiving.
