Guest Post by Shooter

It's Shooter ya'll!! That sounded cheesy didn't it? Well last weekend my in-laws were in town. Some may think that having your in-laws in town and staying at your house would be torture. I my case it is not. I enjoy having Laura's parents in town.

Well as Laura as said in a previous post we went to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. It was a good opportunity for Laura to get some good pictures and for all of us to relax. To be honest, I had a good time, but the beginning of day was rainy and it was kind of a downer. However it turned out to be a good day.

On the way back from Callaway Gardens we drove to LaGrange, GA. This is where my mother grew up and my grandparents and great-grandparents are buried. I haven't been to see Pop and Grandmother's grave since 2002 when Grandmother died. It was nice to see them again. I had a good relationship with both of them and used to stay with them in the summer when I was off from school as a young child.

Pop would taught me how to shoot and probably can be credited with developing my ability to shoot like I do today. It started with an old Daisy pump BB gun then a Crossman pellet rifle. The rest of time I helped him in his garden with his fresh tomatoes, okra, green beans (yuck!), and other vegetables. Grandmother always made sure there was a fresh pound cake and plenty of lemon drops when I came, those were my favorites and still are to this day.

When Laura and I got married in 1999, my Grandmother even though very feeble, told my mom and my Uncle Frank that there was no way she was going to miss her baby grandson's wedding in Tennessee. She did make it and it really meant a lot not only to her, but to Laura and I. Her Chad Boy had gotten married and was happy. Here is a picture us at our wedding.

Pop passed away first, he broke his hip and got pneumonia. I really never got to say goodbye to him and that still haunts me today. I loved him dearly and still miss him. Here is a picture of me and him at (I think) my 3rd birthday. Side note - that's my mom behind me at the counter.

Grandmother died in 2002. I remember the weeks prior to her death well. I had gone to visit her several times the last few weeks of her life. My sister and I went together along with my parents and by ourselves also. We talked about times growing up, recipes, and life. Grandmother said one thing she said to me a couple of days before she died that has stuck in my mind. "Don't let yourself get old." Grandmother was the best and I miss her everyday I wake up.

One thing that was very special about our trip was I got to see my great grandparents grave. John Terrell Huff and Lady Rebecca Stripling Huff. I love my great grandmother's name. Lady Rebecca Stripling sounds like something straight out of old England.

Anyway, that was my weekend.

Thanks Laura for letting me post. I love you, sweets!