Happy Birthday Pop!

This is by far the toughest post I have ever written.  I guess that is why it has taken me 9 weeks to write it.  I thought today would be perfect because it is the birthday of one of the greatest men we knew…Sydney William Johnston II a.k.a. “Big Syd” or “Pop”.  We lost Big Syd 9 weeks ago to a massive heart attack.  It was the most sad and tragic event that our family has had to endure.  I feel so blessed to have known him the time I did.  He was the greatest father in law.  Syd and I rarely had to call a mechanic, plumber or electrician because we had Big Syd.  He was a jack of all trades.  He could fix anything!  I just wished we could have fixed his heart!

Pop was one proud grandfather!  He was blessed with 3 wonderful grandchildren.  These 2 girls had him wrapped around his little finger…he would do just about anything they asked of him!

He was so proud the day his 1st grandSON was born.  Everytime Andrew saw Pop he would cluck his tongue.

He loved his 3 sons so much.  He was a perfect role model to them.  He was so kind hearted and caring and I can see those things in Syd, Jason and Scott.

He was an awesome husband to Dinnie.  He treated her like a Queen!  He fixed her breakfast/coffee every morning before he left for work and would bring it up to her in bed! 

Here is Big Syd with his 3 brothers.  They are all very close and always help each other when in need.

Big Syd enjoyed learning new instruments.  He loved playing the bagpipes and he had many opportunities to do so.  He came to play for my students one year on St. Patrick’s Day…kilt and all!

Just recently he took up playing the Cello.  He was a member of the Vicksburg Symphony group.  He inspired Sarah Beth to play the violin.

He was also an active member in the Vicksburg Theater Guild especially with Gold in the Hills…a long time family tradition!

He also played a role in the Boy Scouts.  All three boys were involved in the Scouts.  He just recently helped Scott complete his Eagle Project (building picnic tables for the Knights of Columbus).  He was also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Big Syd enjoyed being around family and friends.  He and Dinnie never missed a party or wedding or any other social event that they were invited to!

I am so thankful for all of the wonderful memories we have of Big Syd.  We will be sure to share them with our children and his future grandchildren.  One of the hardest things has been trying to explain to Sophie (3) that Pop is in heaven and he is not coming home.  She doesn’t understand but one day she will. 

Although we are sad and selfish that Pop is not here celebrating with us we are so grateful for his life and his influence on all of us. We know he is enjoying his eternal reward with Christ Jesus…how awesome is that!

Happy 62nd Birthday Pop!!