Papa Harley

For those of you that do not know, my grandfather (Papa Harley) passed away early Saturday morning. 

Writing helps me process things.  So here you go...

The Football Hall of Famer- 
Papa Harley grew up in St. Joe, Texas.  One day when he was working, a scout for the University of Texas stopped and asked him if would like to try out for the Longhorns football team.  His response,"Be fine."  It was history from there... Papa Harley became one of the all time best guards in the history of University of Texas.  Newspapers referred to him as the "Hillbilly kid" or "The best snuff dipping guard Texas ever had."   

He would eventually be the first round draft pick for the Detroit Lions in 1953.   He went on to play in 4 Pro Bowls and is referred to as a Gridiron Hero for the Detroit Lions.  Eventually he would was added to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the National College Football Hall of Fame.  He ended his playing career in Los Angeles playing for the Rams.  If you want to learn more click here:  Harley Sewell and more Harley Sewell.  Here are some pictures:

Back in 2008, Papa was honored by the Lions as one out of 25 best players that have ever played for the Lions.  I was lucky enough to get to go on this trip.  Here are some pictures:

The husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather Hall of Famer:

It's fun to talk about all of his football accomplishments.  But his real accomplishment was a beautiful family.  Papa was a loving and supportive husband to Grandma Jean.  He loved her more than anything else in the world.  He would do anything for her.  When she passed away in 2007, it was obvious that his heart was broken.  His heart never quite healed after she was gone.  He was father to 3 wonderful children: Jimmy, Janet, and Nathan. 

My mom has always looked to Papa as her hero.   Not because of his career accomplishments, but who he was as a person.  He was sweet, kind, funny, and loved his kids.  My mom would tell me stories about going to football training camp with him and how he allowed her pet bird to perch on his head.  He was just a fun person to be around. 

As a grandchild of Papa, I always loved spending time with him.  He would allow Lauren and I to cover him in stuffed animals and would always make up silly songs.  Another one of his tricks was pulling his teeth out for Lauren and I.  Haha... I'm not sure if I was confused on why my teeth didn't come out like his or if I was just freaked out... either way it makes me laugh now.  I remember traveling up to Burger Box in the old Bronco.  There we would enjoy a yummy hamburger and fries.  At that Burger Box, Papa taught Lauren and I how to make spit balls and drink out of a Tabasco bottle with a straw.  He would always tell us crazy stories like when it was hot he and his bothers would eat beans and as a form of AC they would break wind.  haha... Grandma Jean would get so mad when he would tell us that story.  He loved his kids and grandchildren with all of this heart.  About a month ago, I went to the hospital to see him and as I was leaving he asked, "When are you coming back and I love you with all my heart."  These were the only two things he said in the hour I was there.  He loved his grand babies and he loved being around others. 

Even Claire (Papa's 1st great granddaughter) loved Papa.  She would walk into the room and see him and happily chirp, "Papa!"  This would always bring a smile to Papa Harley's face.

Let us not forget his best friend Happy.  Happy and Papa were two peas in a pod.  Happy helped take care of Papa and as a thank you Papa fed Happy fried chicken.  This made Happy very happy! 

 The last time I saw him, he wasn't able to talk so we just held hands. It was very hard seeing him like this.  On one hand I feel happy knowing Papa is in heaven and free from pain.  On the other hand, it's painful to know I will not see him again.  I knew this day would come and I thought I was mentally prepared.  It's just really hard... my mom described it perfectly.  She said, "It's just really permanent."  Papa lived an amazing life, loved many, and was love by many.  I will miss him, but I have peace knowing he is in heaven playing football and watching over us.