In Loving memory of my Grandpa Maples I wanted to take some time and reflect. A year ago today My mom was in Utah with her mom at a very sad time her life and ours. It was in the evening when Mom called and told us that Grandpa has taken his last breath in this life here on earth. We were so sad but thankful for the gospel to know that even though he had passed away in this life that he was on a journey to his next life where he would be able to know us and know who he was. He would have his memory and be able to see how we had grown and that he is now watching over us as his family! I am not a funeral person because I don't like sadness or thing that makes me cry.
So today I wanted to reflect on the legacy that Ernest W. Maples left here on earth for his family and friends. I don't have to many stories but I remember the times I shared with him. As everyone knows when grandma and grandpa would come visit us at the beach we would do lots of fun things. When I was little I remember getting picked up from school by them and then we would stop and get a "Big Gulp" at the gas station. We didn't have seven elevens here but Gramps just wanted a Pepsi. That was his favorite soda! He would also take me bowling, bike riding, walks on the beach. He would also jump on the tramp with me and my sisters and brother. What an amazing grandpa he was.
I also know that he was an amazing Dad, husband, friend, co-worker, neighbor and gentleman. He was very strong in the church and always went above and beyond the call of duty. I loved to watch him eat his Corn Flakes with banana's and sugar. I never understood how he ate that I just thought that was so gross! He would always give the best prayers before meals and when our family would be traveling from Utah back to SC. I am just so thankful that I was able to have him for MY Grandpa!
I put this together when we were flying to Utah for the funeral but never told anyone. But I going to share it now....
E ~ Excellent Husband, Dad, Grandpa, & Great Grandpa
R ~ Remembered to always serve the Lord and his Family
N ~ Never said a bad word
E ~ Example to all who were blessed to be in this life
S ~ Service to anyone who needed help
T ~ True to his church and his family
W ~ Wonderful sense of humor
E ~ Excited to do things with his family
L ~ Loved his wife and Family
D ~ Did really enjoy working in his yard
O ~ Owned a boat and a trailer for love of adventure and Family Reunions
N ~ Never missed a chance to check the pay phones or return carts for quarters
M ~ Muted the TV during commercial breaks
A ~ Always washing and putting gas in Grandma's car
P ~ Put all his heart into everything he did
L ~ Liked Saying, "It's been a slice of Heaven." "Make it a great day." "What in the Sam Hill"
E ~ Ernest W. Maples will always be remembered as a wonderful Man
S ~ Shall always be in our hearts, thoughts, and memories!
Grandpa, Thank you for making our time with you "A slice of heaven" here on earth! We love you and will always remember your GREAT example!
The Lake Gang
Me and Em after our VICTORY
Me and My Honey
Uncle Kip
Aunt Toni and Uncle Rowdy
The Lake Gang
Aunt Toni and Dad Joe
Breakfast at the tailgating spot!
Geoff and Dad
Me on the way to the lake
o get to bed pretty early after returning from another adventure to a Place called Summits where we meet Geoff's cousin, of a distance, for some beverages. The girls got ice cream and we just chatted. Once we made it back I hit the hay. We had to get up early so we could claim our tail gating spot for the day. We made it and got our new tent and rest of our tailgating stuff set up for the day. We enjoyed each others company and some good food. Thanks Joe for the great food. Yummy pancakes, french toast, bacon and eggs. Later we had bratwurst and hamburgers. 
ee it up between the Hedges to play Central Michigan. It was really fun to tailgate with them. We had cereal for breakfast and sandwiches for lunch. I am so thankful for the opportunity we had to take them.
lunch and it was really good.
T!!!