Papaw

Papaw (Matt's grandfather), James Truman Staton, passed away on February 20. He is greatly missed. Papaw had been fighting multiple ailments for a while and the family was able to say goodbye without him suffering for too long a time. K and I were able to see and speak with him about a week before he passed away.

Papaw had a way of telling the most entertaining stories with lots of details and he also told great jokes. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren very much.

The last time we spoke to him, he was in the hospital and had lost lots of weight. He was moved into a hospice home in High Point shortly thereafter, but was only there for three days. On our last visit we really enjoyed listening to him tell us about his baseball playing days including the time he had his bat loaded with lead!

I can remember staying at Papaw's when I was little and how much he enjoyed giving us hugs and kisses ("sugar"). I can remember him sitting out on the front porch and watching us play. I also remember him working in the yard and gardens that they had. He always loved to make us laugh.

Papaw lost his sight in his later years and I always felt like I had an important job when I was leading him around. He also took up the harmonica again and was very good at playing songs he remembered from his youth. He always wanted to know more about my bass playing.

Turner didn't get much time with Papaw, but I will always think that Papaw hung on as long as he did in part to get to hold Turner. I hope these pictures will convey to Turner one day the love that Papaw had for him.

Papaw will be missed but we believe that he can now breathe with clear lungs, walk without help, throw a baseball again, and see the glory of God with new eyes.