Growing up one of my fondest memories is of my nightly songs with dad. He would crawl into bed with me and sing a whole slew of songs every night. The same songs in the same order seems monotonous but it was not, it was wonderful. I grew to love the tradition....so much so that I would beg him to sing to me even when I was in my early teens.
When Cooper was born I came to stay with my parents in Savannah often. We lived in Texas and I hated being so far away. My dad, also known as Papa, would offer to put my sweet Cooper to bed. My mom and I would sit downstairs and listen to my dad sing the same songs in the same order that he used to sing to me....years before. Then we would hear them both snoring! (He cannot help it, he is a hardworking grandfather!!!!)
Cooper LOVES music and begs for his "Papa Songs". Last time my dad was here he took Cooper on to the backporch. They shared the couch, laying down and singing. Tonight Cooper was sitting on lap before bed and he said "Mama, want to take me out on the back porch and sing me "Papa Songs"? I had an even better idea, we let Papa do it over the phone.
I will always remember Cooper sitting on my lap, holding his night nights in one hand and the phone in the other. His sweet voice warmed our hearts as Phil and I watched with a tear in our eye. I could hear my dad through the phone singing the songs that provide me with so many happy and safe memories. We hung up the phone and Cooper said "That was great!". My response was "You are so loved Cooper David!!!".
I tucked Cooper into bed and he asked for some milk. I went to get his cup and when I came back he was on his tummy, under his covers, singing "The Cattle Call".....just like his Papa.
We love you dad. Thanks for being such an amazing man. Cooper tells people that his Papa is one of his best friends. It is so true. That little boy loves you SO much. I can see it in the way he smiles when he hears your name, hangs on your every word and knows every word to every song you sing to him. Thank you!!!!!
I love you.
