An Ol Man and a Papa

Matthew and I both had the priviledge of having a close relationship with our grandpas. We have great memories that we carry with us everyday. Our grandpas were two of the most special people in our lives. So, here is an insight to our memories and why they were so special to each of us.

I will start with Jack "The Ol Man" Courtney. Matthew has fond memories of fishing and gardening with his grandpa. He loved hanging out with his Ol Man. Jack had a heart that he shared with everyone. He was a little Ol Man but he had a garden to feed the world. He never sold his garden goods instead he gave them away to everyone he knew and even brought some up on Tuesdays to give away at the weekly cattle sale. He was a giving man of not only his garden but of his time. Matthew remembers his Ol Man picking him and Courtney up from school and every time he stopped to get them each a soft drink. He had a loving and giving spirit. He will be greatly missed by many. Matthew kept telling everyone that he would not be having a garden this year. With a little convincing, he is upholding his Ol Man's legacy and has a beautiful garden this year.

Next comes Claude "Papa" Ellingson, he was one of my best friends. The fondest memory I have of my Papa is him standing on the fence line to watch me walk into my high school graduation. He made a point to call my name and give me his big hello and smile. I could see it all over his face how proud he was of my accomplishments. Little did I know that he would be gone less than a year later. He was the man that had his opinions and wasn't afraid to share them but he had a heart that he shared with many. When he left to be with our King was one of the hardest days of my life. My heart had completely broken in two but the Lord would send a man into my life shortly after to help heal that broken heart. I met Matthew two months later.

It is because of these two men that Matthew and I have decided to name our little boy Jack Ellison Domel. We pray that our Jack will have a heart of gold like his Great-Grandpas and will be a great example of his namesakes.