Mendy goes to Lubbock

Mendy had the opportunity to go to Lubbock and visit Daddy's grave for a day.  I am glad she was able to go and it was a nice trip for her and Mackenzie.  They took Dad poinsettia's and of course a Baskin Robbins cappuccino blast.  It made me smile to see Mackenzie made a heart out of acorns on the name plate.  I know the Bible says that Daddy's spirit is not in Lubbock, but there is something healing in being able to see the place where we last left his body.  I am sure every time any of us are able to visit it will not only be healing, but give us the comfort of feeling close to him.  We love you Daddy!  Mendy and Mackenzie also drove around to some houses that meant a lot to us growing up.  The homes of Grandma/Grandpa Parks and Gangaw Watts were where we spent our Christmas' and for me two Spring Breaks in college. Grandma and Grandpa Parks first lived in Papalote Estates and I can remember the layout of the house well with its blue shutters (now dark colored).  Grandpa had built an upstairs bedroom area where Mendy and I would sleep.  The house also had a sun room, playroom in the basement, large porch, outside arbor, about .5 acre of gardening in back, and a separate garage for Grandpa's projects. The house had so much to explore and do and we would often play "Skip-bo" at the game table in the living room.  Once Grandpa got sick with Cancer, they started building a garden home for Grandma.  After Grandpa passed away, Grandma moved into a 1 story red brick home on a small lake in King's Palace off of 82nd street (3807- 77th street).  Grandma Parks loved her trendy little garden home and especially feeding the geese corn feed every day from her back driveway.  It was such a haven for her.  Grandma Watts lived on 5024- 35th street since my Mom was a kid.  So, this one story green house on the corner was all I ever knew.  What I will say about this tiny place was that a LOT OF LOVE went in to those walls.  We learned that no one could run the washer or dishwasher while another person was bathing, that lights always were dimmer when all lights were on, the metal furnace was HOT if you stepped on it, you always should light the wall heaters before getting into the bath, and the trees in the front yard were great to climb in with my cousin Jason.  No matter how small her finances were, we were ALWAYS greeted at the door with a hug and brisket/roast on the stove with my favorite homemade mashed potatoes.  Lubbock definitely holds a lot of memories and will always hold a special place in my heart.