Death is no stranger, my grandmother passed away in 1993, when I was 8 years old. Followed by a myriad of great aunts, great uncles, cousins removed, a police officer I never really knew but that I saw die as he lay on asphalt. My Dad's dad, Grandpa Edwards passed away in 2004 and just last year I lost an uncle, great-uncle, first cousin and grandpa on my husband's side.
In a way, I am grateful that I was exposed to death at an early age. You learn to cope, to process and in a way to numb yourself and while it doesn't make losing someone any easier it makes it bearable.
So. Raymond Eugene Pressley. Grandfather, father, uncle, brother and at one time so very long ago, husband.
Here are a few things that remind me of him...
Number One: Orange slices
When I was younger and Grandpa lived in Charlotte, we would visit him. He would have an endless supply of these gummy treats as well as Number Two.
Number Two: Mountain Dew
Oh, Mountain Dew. During our visits, he would also have "Good Ole' Mountain Dew" at the ready. Up until he couldn't remember any longer due to his dementia, he would sing "Give me that good ole' Mountain Dew." He would continue with his version of the lyrics, "fill up a bottle or two. I'll hush up my mug if you fill up my jug of that good ole' Mountain Dew." Of course, this song was about mountain moonshine, not the neon yellow, lemon-lime concoction.
Take a listen, you may need to fast forward to about 45 seconds, unless you want to hear Mr. Flatt and Mr. Scruggs talk for a bit
Number Three: Little Debbie Cakes
I would say that Gramps had a sweet tooth. Swiss cake rolls and Oatmeal Creme Pies. Strawberry Ice Cream that he would share with my brother's dog and then deny knowledge of how Hutch got pink all over his snout.
Number Four: Gomer Pyle (played by Jim Nabors)
Gomer Pyle was a character on The Andy Griffith Show and eventually gained his own television sitcom. I honestly don't remember why Gomer reminds me of Gramps. Maybe they favor each other, maybe because he talked about him.
Number Five: The Marine Corps
Grandpa was in the Marine Corps, serving in the Korean War. He was proud of being a marine, as most marines are. He was always randomly saying, "Left, left, left, right, left".
During the latter part of his life, he brought so much joy to our lives. His legacy of redemption will live on.
Good stuff cousin-in-law
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