Page 46 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2018 - Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS
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Senior Senior
f I had a time-traveling plane ticket in my hand, I
would go back to the San Diego trip that my family
Itook at Christmas 2016. This vacation was the last
one that my Papa went on with us. Bob Renfro was
his name; Papa was the name that we grandkids gave
him. As the strong (and only) grandson, I pushed his
wheelchair throughout the San Diego Zoo. During that
day, I learned more about my Papa than I ever had
before. We were always in the back of the family crowd,
bringing up the rear. As such, he and I would see the
animals last, after everyone else had cleared out. We
would talk about my future and my plans for my life,
as well as his childhood and his experiences. One of
the reasons that we went to San Diego was to visit the
US Naval base, where he lived during World War II.
Hearing his stories made me realize how lucky I was to
have a role model like him in my life.
February 2017, Papa was rushed into emergency
surgery because a cyst had ruptured in his liver. He
46 Lubbock Senior Link
Last Days
with Papa
by: Ethan Wright
lost a lot of blood that day, but thankfully, we were
given a few more months with him. He was diagnosed
with liver cancer. Hearing this news shocked my
family. After surgery and a few weeks later, the family
decided to place him on hospice. I quickly learned the
meaning of this word and its outcome - eventually
losing my Papa. The hospice visits were very hard; we
saw the sadness in his eyes. During these weeks, Papa
became philosophical. I remember him saying, “Thanks
for being a part of my life and this adventure; now go
and make your own.” Playing his words in my head
still brings tears. On May 28, 2017, I lost my Papa.
Papa prided himself on helping his grandkids and
showing them off. I would remind him that I was going
to graduate Frenship and go to Texas A&M to earn a
degree in Zoology. I predicted that I would marry the
girl of my dreams and have many kids and grandkids.
Most importantly, I would share how he impacted so
many lives; for me, no person could ever be as loving
and devoted as he was.
Bob Renfro wasn’t just my Papa, he was my support
system. Every extracurricular activity in which I
participated, he attended, cheering me on. As a
trumpet player in several school bands and during
band concerts, I spotted him immersed in the concert
program, searching for my name and eagerly trying to
beat my Gran at staying awake. To secure his victory
over Gran, he usually took a nap until the concert