Wow, it seems like I keep remembering important people that shaped my life!  Today as I was thinking about the date, August 25th, I remembered this is my Granddaddy's birthday.  Granddaddy (can you tell I grew up in the south?) passed away when I was 4 1/2 years old.  Do I have memories of him?  You bet...especially the weeks before he died.  But he left me something I hear on a daily basis....my nickname.  Yep, Grandaddy Garbee named me "Cookie"....so many have asked how he came up with that name and I tell the story over and over that I heard through the years.  Here goes:

When I was born I was the first girl born on my dad's side of the family.  Granddaddy and Tata (my grandma and her nickname is another story for another day) had two boys, no girls.  When I entered the world, Grandaddy was so excited that he commented, "I'm going to the hospital to visit little Cookie."  That was it.  Everyone started calling me "Cookie" and it stuck.  In fact, when I entered grade school, my parents would request the teacher call me by my nickname because I didn't answer to my given name, Judith!

I simply didn't know any name except "Cookie" and if you want a quick response or get my attention, calling me Judith usually will make you wait a few minutes until I realize you're talking to me!

There are many other things I remember about Granddaddy, but others tell me he became a Christian later in life and totally turned his life around for Jesus.  That's a great legacy to leave behind.  I look forward to spending some time with my Granddaddy when I get to heaven.  He died at the young age of 53 from a severe heart attack.  I've already lived longer than he did....but he left images behind that others will remember until God calls them home.  What images or memories will others have of you?  Happy Birthday, Granddaddy....have a wonderful time celebrating with Jesus!