Andrew and Heather Rozell » Our Lives

Officially my Pawpaw was six feet five inches tall, but to me as a kid, I swore he was at least ten feet. For my entire life, I couldn’t help but look up to him.

About 3 months ago, I went camping with my father, my older brother and two of his sons (Bo and Abe) at Tyler State Park. On the return trip, we stopped by my grandfather’s house to say hello. We knew his health was not 100% and wanted Abe and Bo to see him as well. When we were leaving Pawpaw’s house Zach leaned over and told Abe to give his Pawpaw a big hug goodbye. In typical Abe fashion he took off at a dead sprint to my Pawpaw. Being unable to bend over to greet Abe, Pawpaw just stood tall and tilted his head down to watch Abe run right into his right leg and latch on. Abe stood just taller than his knee and had no chance of getting his arms around more than the one leg. Abe loosened his grip just enough to tilt his head all the way back, peer up to Pawpaw’s face, and simply give a routine “Bye!”

And, not surpisingly, at his funeral this past Saturday the running theme from the different speakers was that Jim was simply a “Giant of a Man.” Not by mere size alone, but by the size of his heart as well.

A couple of months after the camping trip (about one month ago), due to Pawpaw’s decreasing health, I drove out to Tyler with my brothers and father prepared to say our goodbyes. He was was under the care of a nurse, but well enough to be with us for several hours and talk. We talked about everything and anything, from Clay’s Fiat engine troubles to Pawpaw’s salvation. But one moment stands out above the rest. At one point, we were all sitting around Pawpaw’s bed, my dad at his feet in a recliner. Unprompted, my dad stood up and walked over to my Pawpaw’s side. He, in a single moment, took in his father’s condition and like a sack of bricks hitting his stomach, his knees went weak, he bent over the bed and said, “I am sorry dad… I didn’t want to cry.” My Pawpaw, 86 years old, took my dad’s hand and comforted my dad for his inevitable loss.

That loss, in which we all feel now, is going to be a tough one to fully process and deal with. He taught me how to fish, how to play golf , and how to skip a rock on Hide-Away-Lake. He is the closest person I have ever lost and he will be missed.

James Harold Rozell, Dad, Clay and Rev.

The Grandkids: Me, Zach, Clay, Scott, Morgan and Meredith.

Because of a pretty busy couple of days, I do not have alot to contribute to this post. This weekend will be busy with Shawn Ross‘ having an exhibit at Denton Arts and Jazz Festival (all weekend, which is awesome!), to a funeral on Saturday (more on that later), to much yard work (when I get a chance).

I will update more next week.

However, I wanted to share with you a great video that I can almost guarantee everyone will love. No wait… I DO guarantee it! My advice… turn your speakers up, enjoy!

This past Sunday the Rozell’s and the Habern’s got together to celebrate Rev turning 3 and Clay turning 27. We ate some good food then Rev opened his presents. It was good time to not just hang out with my family, but enjoy all the Habern’s company as well. Even “little” Ben Habern found time away from his busy OU football schedule to enjoy the festivities. Speaking of which, Zach, Clay, John and Ben were all extremely proud to have lifted Clay’s Fiat 500 off the ground.

Jones (Zach’s 3rd son, 16 months) had fun walking on all the toys because of the infamous juice bottle distraction.

Out of all my nephews, Rev has the sweetest tooth of the bunch.

Not to be outdone with Rev’s love of cake, Bo enjoyed himself some chocolate! Check out the chocolate ring around the lip in the right picture.

And though Rev has a big sweet tooth for a kid, Zach’s sweet tooth is outdone by none.

Ben (center) has a knack for finding every camera and posing; I could hardly find one picture with him not giving me a Zoolander look (Blue Steel and Magnum mostly). Here is one of him, John and Clay sitting on the front window seat.

My dad and Zach talking in the front yard.

Technically, it is car.

Before I post pictures of Clay’s recent joint birthday celebration with his son, Rev, I thought I would post a picture of him from my reserve chest. And although I would like to tell you this is Clay being silly many years ago, I can’t. This photo is less than 5 months old; it is just another picture completely capturing the Clay we all know, the Clay who pretends to bite his dad’s rear while drinking alcohol.

Well, here’s to Clay, turning 27! Cheers.

Note: This picture post is a personal request by Zach Rozell.

We spent Good Friday with my (Rozell) family celebrating Easter and Saturday at the Ross’s. Though the Saturday get together was a pretty low-key day with lunch at a local italian place Heather’s cousin, Sydney, was able to thoroughly enjoy hunting eggs once we return to the Ross’s home. She enjoyed it so much that she re-hid the eggs to do it all over again!