Celebration of Life: Sean "Paco" Herndon

My grandma has 11 grandchildren. Out of her 11, her youngest is the nearest and dearest to her heart. Now, don't get me wrong-I'm not saying she played favorites or loved us less because she loves all. However, we all knew Sean was her pride and joy (I guess we can include Megs too). 

See, she's famous for her fried rice. Her first 9 has fond childhood memories of fried rice. But, Sean...if she knew he was coming over, she would (keep this in mind-she's in her 90's) whip up some fried rice AND fried tuyu fish. 

Now, being a grandma myself who loves her grandsons-sat back and smiled at this because if a grandma does that when she is in the best years of her life...then there is something special about that grandson. And you know what? There is something special about Sean.

Because I am 20 years older than him, he is closer in age to my kids. So I watched him grow up like a little brother. While my daughter was chunky, he was long. While she was quiet. He made noise. While she played nicely-he bit. In fact, he bit Jay on the arm? Leg? I don't know-it was a cousin thing!

As he grew up, he was active and curious. He was your typical boy that loved Barney, fireworks (those military tanks sparklers?) and the outdoors especially the beach like his dad. 

I remember my Aunty Berta sharing that she would make musubi's for him and his friends when they were in surf competitions.

My cousin, Meaghan and Sean were close. You would think there would be sibling rivalry but their parents raised them right. This was a close-knit family. They may have had their differences like all families do but I love the fact of knowing that even as they grew up-they still climbed into their parents bed and just laid there with them. That's amazing love. 

I love how they were unabashed that as brother and sister, they were the best of friends. 

Sean was free-spirited and roamed wherever. He was fun-loving and actually humble. He was pretty much an eye candy to girls because he was good looking. 

My nephew idolized him and thought of him as the character Brad Pitt played in Troy because of his long hair that he had back in his modeling days.

After high school, he tried several areas of work from retail to restaurants as well as attending college but he was recently accepted into the Carpenters Union. 

When I looked at his pictures with his friends, they showed his carefree spirit. When I look back at his pictures with family, it showed strength and solidity. 

Sean is well-loved. He is special to everyone of us. All of us has that one special memory of him. We will cry and grieve and in time, we can smile and celebrate the moments we had the opportunity to spend with him. 

Rest in love, Sean. 

My Daughter

"She grew up on the side of the road

Where the church bells ring

And strong love grows

She grew up good

She grew up slow

Like American honey

Steady as a preacher

Free as a weed

Couldn't wait to get going

But wasn't quite ready to leave

So innocent, pure and sweet

American honey"

-Lady Antebellum, "American Honey"

When I first heard the lyrics of this song, I thought of my daughter. Mind you, if you're reading this, please don't think that I'm using rose-colored glasses when it comes to my children because I don't. These lyrics literally describes my daughter to a T. 

I'm writing this blog as the clock ticks towards midnight that will officially announce that my daughter is 23 years old.

 

I had her at 19 and we praise & thank God blessed us with a daughter who is the complete opposite of her parents. 

She gave her heart to the Lord at the age of 7. She willingly participated in church activities (still does). She self-motivated herself in school, graduating summa cum laude and earning a scholarship to attend a business college. And she still had the time to boss around her brothers. 

Today, she still continues to be involved in church ministries and I know she has a deep love in teaching and guiding young girls to be Christian women.

She's a working gal now!

And is a great aunt to her nephew

Through all these accomplishments and growing into a beautiful, young adult. I know it is not easy because I know it grates on you on how people will continually remark on how good you are that seems as if there is an underlying expectancy for you to maintain a high standard. 

Krys, my prayer for your 23rd birthday is that God will quiet your soul because the twenties is trying to find your identity yet many have fallen because they've run way ahead of God not waiting for His timing or allowing Him to unfold His plans for them.

I also want to encourage you as you read this blog post to stand strong and give your dreams to God. Allow Him to determine your steps on where you should go and how you will grow. 

I love you...don't ever change for the world

"Gotta hold on easy as I let you go.

Gonna tell you how much I love you, though you think you already know.

I remember I thought you looked like an angel wrapped in pink so soft and warm.

You've had me wrapped around your finger since the day you were born.

You're beautiful baby from the outside in.

Chase your dreams but always know the road that'll lead you home again.

Go on, take on this whole world.

But to me you know you'll always be, my little girl." -Tim McGraw, My Little Girl