Riding on the City of New Orleans

Recently, I had to take a trip I didn't want to make, but one that I always new was inevitable to come one day. I made the 600 mile drive to my hometown of Paducah, KY to say good-bye to my PaPaw who left this world after making footprints all over it for the past 89 years. He made footprints running up and down Old  Mayfield Road....he made history when he left his footprints on the shores of the Pacific fighting in the Battle of Tarawa....he also made footprints as a daddy, husband, friend, and "World's Greatest Papaw". 

Papaw in the Gilbert Islands in 1943

Serving in the United States Navy Acorn Unit #17 during the island hopping campaign

What is amazing, is that we always think we have heard all the stories (and Papaw was full of them). The stories of growing up, living through the depression, WWII, what life used to be like, and when those who are now the grown ups were once cool themselves. However, while I was with my family to celebrate his life, I found out a story about Paw that I never knew.....which has now become a story that I will never forget. 

Best Friends

It was no secret to anyone that Papaw didn't like music. When he got in the car he turned the ignition on and the radio off. However, there was one song that was always special in his heart....one that is now special in mine. In 1947 when he and Mamaw were young, crazy, and in love, they hopped a train to Mississippi to tie the knot. A trip that would solidify the future for their 3 kids, 7 grandkids, and a future generation that has yet to come. Fast forward to the 70s when my uncle was heavy into folk music and was playing the now classic rock hit, City of New Orleans. On this occasion, rather than telling him to turn the music off, he asked to hear it again. Because it reminded him of the train he and Mamaw took from Carbondale, IL all the way to Mississippi.....the train called The City of New Orleans. 

I've listened to that song a lot lately. I can't help but wonder what The City of New Orleans may have been like that day in 1947. What MaMaw and Papaw talked about and as they looked out the windows on their ride through the heartland. And as far as I'm concerned, they just punched their tickets for an eternal ride on The City of New Orleans. 

Just Married in 1947

I miss him so much already, because we loved each other so much and made so many memories together. Memories like ice cream on the river, walks in the park, and drinking black coffee with a pipe (his blew smoke....mine bubbles). In his own words "I'll see ya on the boat".