A good man

My sweet grandfather, Edward Suhling (known by most as Pop or Zu--short for Suhling), passed away on Sunday, November 28. Because of my wonderful husband and friends, I was able to fly to Virginia on Monday, attend the services on Tuesday, and fly home on Wednesday. All 12 of Pop's grandchildren were there--from New York, Texas, Australia, California, and Virginia. I missed some of the time when the whole family was together sharing memories about Pop, but I know there are many, many fond memories of him. Here are some of mine.

- He called me Katiebird. I didn't like it, but looking back now, I love it.
- The entire family (Nannie, Pop, Mama's siblings and their children, and us) vacationed at a house in Virginia Beach several different summers in the 80s. Someone might remember this particular story better than I do, but I know there was talk about someone being able to do a somersault, and Pop claimed he could do one. He did, and he promptly injured his neck.
- One of my most vivid childhood images of Pop is him grinning at me from a chair, next to a door, hooked up to a contraption that wrapped a piece of cloth/fabric under his chin and pulled his head up. I think it was to stretch his neck--perhaps because of the injury from the somersault!
- His songs
- His unforgettable and unmistakable laugh
- His piano playing, by memory, hitting those keys with force
- His way with dogs







I'll miss you, Pop!