RIP Papa Norton

Today I woke up to a text I knew I was going to get while over here...I just wasn't prepared for it to be so soon. Sunday, February 19, 2012 my papa Norton went to be with the Lord. It was something that was expected but still you can't help but be sad. He was 95 years old and left this world in the arms of the ones he loved. I'm sad I wasn't there when he left but so glad everyone was sitting by his side, in his own house, during his last moments. He is part of the reason adventure flows through my blood. He and my nana have been all over the world..to every single continent. He lived his life and many looked up to him throughout these years. 

...I got this from Chancey...she couldn't of said it better. 

"Harvey Norton passed away today.. Some knew him as Harvey, some new him as JM, but to us he was just plain ol Papa. He is know for many things around here, from being involved in the beginning of Fort Worth Christian, to starting and building a successful metal company.... But to us he was Just Papa. He gave and shared and was a driven business man, but to us, he was just Papa. He was looked up to, sought after, mentored, and strived to be liked, but to us , he was just Papa!.....So to all of u who know one of those many characters he played in this life, know that to us he was OUR PAPA and he is going to be dearly missed."

He played a part in my want to travel so to him i'm thankful. I'm thankful for the love he showed, the jokes he said, and the smile he had when I came to visit. The last time we were all together he was telling his caretaker that I was going back to Africa! I know he loved this place and I don't think he'd want me anywhere else right now. I will miss him constantly but I know he is not hurting anymore, he is able to be the man he once was. 

prayers for my family would be greatly appreciated, especially for my nana. She just lost the love of her life for over 70 years....but oh what a blessing those 70 years have been.

Love you papa.