Dad

This week has felt like an eternity.  Everyday I have to ask what day it is and I wake up confused and unsure of where I am.  We went to Forrest City last Friday to see my best friend, Connie.  Dad had been in the hospital for the past couple of weeks, in and out of the ICU.  He went in for a pinched nerve in his neck/shoulder that caused him weakness in his right arm, they wanted to rule out a stroke (which they did).  We decided to leave early on Friday so we could stop by to see Dad in the hospital.  He was sitting up talking to us, watching TV, looking at pictures and video of Eli on my phone, and trying to read his paper.  We had a good visit and then went on our way to FC.  On Sunday morning I got the phone call everyone dreads.  He had taken a turn for the worse and they didn't know how much time he had.  We hurried to Little Rock.  He passed away on Sunday at 7:45pm with a room full of people who loved him dearly.

I started this blog mainly for grandparents to see what Eli was up to and watch him grow.  Dad read my blog all the time.  He loved reading the stories about Eli and seeing the pictures of him.  I still feel like I'm blogging for him!  I'm sure he is watching Eli from heaven but hopefully he can read what I'm writing also!

The things that have brought me the most peace about losing my dad are hearing all the good memories people have of him.  He never met a stranger.  We are from a small town where everyone knows most everyone.  And EVERYONE knew my dad!  Everyone says he always had a smile on his face and this could not be any truer!  He loved to travel more than anything, well except for maybe the Razorbacks!  He was one of the most loyal and biggest Razorback fans I've ever known.  He's been to see them many different places and as far as Hawaii!  He loved music and passed that love on to me!  A few years ago we went to a Rolling Stones concert together.  I was completely jealous when he had FRONT ROW seats while Chad and I sat in the nose bleeds!  His spirit for life was contagious. He loved life and lived it to it's fullest.  Eli loved his "Pawpaw" so much and Dad just ate that up!  I haven't told Eli his Pawpaw is no longer with us.  I'm not sure he will understand and I don't really know how to explain it yet.  I'm afraid more than anything that Eli will forget his Pawpaw because he's so young.  Chad and I will do our best to always remind him how much Dad loved him.

Here is the obituary from the paper for those of you who haven't read it.... 

Ewell Wayne Weddington, of Bryant, Arkansas left this Earth on angel’s wings March 25, 2012. He was born December 3, 1948 in Forrest city, Arkansas to Raymond and Marlene Weddington.

Ewell was a man of many accomplishments.  After serving his country in the Air Force, he went on to work for Gulf Life insurance. 

Ewell was known for his likable personality, his never ending quest to find laughter in his day, and never meeting a stranger on his many encounters throughout life.

The people in the community of St. Francis County grew to know him as the “Little Debbie Man”, as he ran a successful route for over 20 years.  Ewell went on to invest and develop many more business ventures.   Ewell moved to Little Rock in 2001, married his wife Sheila, and opened up what is known today as the Tobacco Superstore in West Little Rock.  Ewell continued to build his tobacco business, where no customer was ever a stranger and people affectionately sought out a handshake and a hello. 

It is with great sadness that we have lost Ewell to this world. He is survived by his devoted wife Sheila, his brothers Larry (Linda) and Darrel, his daughters Robyn (Wayne), Keri (Chad), 3 step-daughters (son-in-law), 6 grandsons and 1 granddaughter.   He will be remembered by countless friends and extended family as a kind and generous friend.  His laughter and funny chats will be greatly missed.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures I've found of Dad.

As I said earlier, he loved the Razorbacks and tailgating.

This is probably my most cherished picture now.  This was taken at his wedding in October 2008.  I was 8 months pregnant with Eli at the time!

Dad and Sheila at their wedding

Eli was 3 weeks old here.  Eli was born the day before Dad's 60th birthday.



This is probably one of my favorite pictures of Dad and Eli.  Eli sure loved his Pawpaw and Pawpaw loved him!

More tailgating pictures!

As most of you know, dad became really sick exactly a year ago.  He was in the hospital for months.  We didn't think he would make it through but he proved to be a fighter!  This next picture is of Dad while he was in the hospital last year.  We went to visit him one day and took him outside to a little park like area so he could watch Eli run around.  We had a good time!

This was after Dad got out of the hospital last year.  He still hadn't put on much of the weight he had lost while in the hospital. 

Dad, Christmas 2011.

He couldn't miss the Cotton Bowl in January!

This is the last picture I have of him.  I wish I had so many more.  I miss him like crazy already.  I'm sure it will only get harder as time goes by and I go to pick up the phone to give him a call. 

I love and miss you, Dad!