Pa and Bobbie

This Weekly Salute is for two people: my grandma who I affectionately call "Bobbie" (you'll find out why in a minute) and my grandpa, J.T. White, otherwise known as "Pa" to all of us. They were grandparents on separate sides of my family. My grandma on my mom's side and my grandpa on my dad's. They both meant so much to me so I decided to write and celebrate their lives.

First, my grandma. Let me start off by saying I feel kind of bad I didn't salute her earlier but now is a good time to do so. She was an amazing person! She graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill (smart lady) and became a RN (registered nurse). I started calling her "Bobbie" several years ago after changing it from "Baba" which was what I called her when I was younger. I'm not exactly sure why I called her "Baba" but it stuck ever since the first time I did so. She was also a great woman of faith and an active member of Grey Stone for over a decade. In fact, I have her to thank for introducing my mom and I to the church; so every Grey Stonian reading this has her to thank for that, haha! I have to mention that I get two things from her: love (of sorts) of school and being on a soapbox. Those were two distinguishing characteristics of her's and I think she passed them right down to me! She died in February of this year but I will always remember her and the great legacy she left behind.

Next, my grandpa. He was one tough customer but he also had a caring side and would help you out anytime you needed him to. He served in the Navy during WWII and even saw Gen. Douglas McArthur sign the Treaty of San Fransisco, ending the allied occupation during the war. Funny thing was he was so proud of all that, he bragged about his service right up until he passed away. He was married to my grandma for sixty-seven years and they seemed to have a very happy marriage. One lasting memory I will have was the time my high school, Northern, had a lockout and subsequent fights outside. When we were finally released from school, I saw my grandma and grandpa outside waiting. Normally, if was just my grandma but he was there too and he grabbed my hand as we walked to the car. I'll never forget the display of how much he cared for me that day.

Although these two wonderful grandparents are gone, I know they're in a place that's much better than our world and I will see them again someday. So, rest in peace "Bobbie" and "Pa" you will be missed!