Growing up my papa was one of my very favorite people. He was always jolly and happy to see me anytime my mom would bring us to our grandparents for a visit, which was often. My papa was the dad person in my life. When I was little he’d take us fishing, drive my brother and I to school, and get us to steal sugary snacks for him from the kitchen (he was diabetic, lol). Later in high school, he attended my volleyball games, and helped teach me to drive and buy my first car. He taught me how to golf and had dreams for me that I’d be on the WPGA Tour someday. He made himself available when I needed him and supported my choices, often financing some of them, and encouraged me in my love for photography. I loved my papa. Whenever I would call or stop by I would greet him with “Hey Pops, how’s it going?”, and he would respond, “Short, fat and bald. How’re you kid?”. I loved this exchange. He left an incredible legacy of love for my family to maintain and lengthen.
To give you an example of his demeanor, my papa was often a “mall Santa” at Christmas. Although he never actually worked at the mall, Pops would play Santa (he had his own Santa Suit) for several non-profit types of events for kids in need. If you passed him on the street you might even believe that he was the real Kris Kringle incognito. My papa was generous with his time and money, loving, inclusive, the most emotionally aware and tender man you’d ever meet, and kind to a fault. He helped kids for a living. A retired police officer, my papa ran a non-profit and wrote books and traveled across the world to speak on the topic of child abuse. In fact, during my grad school education at UCI, I attended class one night to find him our keynote speaker via a video he had recorded on child abuse prevention and reporting! There was very little glory or fame in what he did, but he didn’t care and never complained. He stayed the course and was lead by his heart throughout his career. I look back now and am amazed by all that he accomplished.
Last month we said goodbye to our patriarch and my papa went to be with Jesus. It was a very difficult time for my family, my mom most especially. She was always daddy’s girl, and for sure his favorite daughter. I know its not PC to have a favorite, but, well, mom was his and she knew it. I was obviously his favorite grandkid, although my brother and cousins would argue they each were. We all took the loss very hard and it’s been a bit emotional around here lately.
Right around the time when I was graduating from college, my grandparents moved to the Oregon coast. My papa really wanted to retire and get to see the beach from his home. They discovered the Lincoln City area on a vacation and very randomly decided to relocate soon thereafter. For his memorial, all of the SoCal family made the trip up to Lincoln City, Oregon. To be honest, this was the first time I can remember my entire family being in one place at one time since I was a kid, and certainly since the new generation of kids have been born. I felt it important to take some photos, especially of the new generation. It was so weird being in the adult group watching all the littles run around.. that used to be me and my cousins..
Left Side: First great grandchild for Papa, Isaiah & Right side: Cousins and they both have "outies"...
My niece Addy in the far right corner.. shes such a BUSY kid, hands in everything.. I LOVE her!
If only Belle could sit up on her own... She is the only one missing from the new generation in this photo...
My Grandma and all the littles....
Grandma and her grandkids... of course Jason is making bunny ears.. of course....
And my loves...
We stayed in the area for several days and explored some of what Papa had loved. Everyday they went out, my papa and grandma passed this open space near the beach with five lamas. Strange, yes. Beautiful though. Apparently if you saw all five when driving by you were going to have a lucky day. I loved seeing the beauty of the area and shooting some of my papas favorite views and what he looked at everyday. This area of the Oregon Coast is known for whale watching, which can be done from shore. There are tons of trees that often wash up on the beach and create these incredible scenes. It was easily one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen; so very different from California beaches. I can see why my papa loved this area.
I've always had a thing for the skin of dead trees.... I just love the texture...
I’m so thankful to feel confident to know that I will see my papa again someday. I can’t wait to hear his response when I say “Hey Pops, how’s it going?”…
By Jess Spinella