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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Faith, Shay ·

Papa.


Friends, it’s been a weekend.

Yesterday, my sweet, sweet grandpa went to be with Jesus.

I’m trying to think of words to type right now, but honestly, Thomas Roy Lowe would just want me to point you all to Jesus.  My grandpa loved his family fiercely, he was a very proud Marine, but his one true passion in this world was sharing the gospel of Jesus.

I am so thankful that the week of Christmas, my kids, and I got to spend one on one time with just him in his home.  He was healthy, he was mobile.  Smith played the violin, Ashby asked him his thoughts on what happened to the dinosaurs, we all got a lot of cuddles and kisses in…we talked so much about my grandmother who passed away a year ago.  It was a sweet, sweet time.

Andrew and I got to go say goodbye.  It was brutal but amazing.  He knew it was me and understood…it’s something I’ll always remember.  My grandparents were married for 75 years and from the moment she passed, he just wanted to be home.  Home with Jesus and with his Mandy.

To live almost 98 years…a full life…what a gift.

I grew up with the most amazing grandparents.  All four of them attended every recital, dance team performance, football game, spelling bee, you name it, that Sean and I had.  They were dear, dear friends and loved the two of us so very much.

I would like to think I have special attributes of each of my grandparents.

When I think of how I’m like my Papa, here are just a few things that come to mind…

He was a runner.  He ran 3 to 4 miles every day until he was 85.  He loved being outside, and he loved to run.

Papa loved dogs.  I don’t remember him not having a dog…and he loved them.  They brought him such joy.

Papa was a reader.  He always let me pick what was on TV because he “had his book”.  He read and he read and he read.

Papa loved the Lord and would use any platform or opportunity he had to share it with others.

In November, the US Marines Corps found out that a 97 year old veteran of World War II never received his uniform or medals.  They presented him with both and right before Christmas, this handsome guy here got to have it fitted and try it on for the first time.  He told us he’ll now be able to be buried like a Marine.  The medals were presented last week, and he was able to see all eight of them too.  My aunt said it best when she told me that her dad had been there for the Marines when they needed him in the 1940s and now, they’ve been there for him.  You wouldn’t believe the love and support they’ve given to him recently.  He’s been truly honored.

Geez, I’ve been so blessed by this man.  I am who I am today because he poured into me.  I am THRILLED TO PIECES though that he is in Heaven, and he is with my Mimi.  A piece of Roy Lowe will live in me forever.  To be as blessed as me to have a grandfather like him.  If you do not know what I’m talking about when I share my faith but you want to know more, EMAIL ME!  I would love to chat about it with you.  My grandpa would want me to.  mixandmatchmama@yahoo.com

I saw this quote years and years ago and wrote it down to describe my Papa…

…they were rejoicing, Papa.  You did good.  You did so freaking good. xx

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Comments

  1. Ruth says

    Sending much love and condolences to you and your family. I’m all teary now after reading your beautiful tribute to your Papa xx

    • SS says

      Awe Shay & your whole family and your Daddy who has now lost both of his parents. Big hugs to all of you. I was blessed with many gparents (due to divorce), but they all loved us like their own and they have all passed. Losing gparents is something that hits you in a way that I wasn’t prepared for. Be thankful for all those pix and wonderful memories.
      Your Papa looked so handsome as a Marine and I am happy he is now reunited with his love!!!
      Take Care of each other and give your Daddy a big hug and your kiddos.

    • Susan F. says

      Crying on a Monday morning! 😭 God bless your sweet papa. ❤️ So glad he was able to receive his uniform and medals before he left this earth. I was also blessed to have both sets of grandparents around as I was growing up. I miss them every day and wish they could have been around longer. Big hugs to you and all of your family. ❤️🙏

    • Bev says

      It’s a sad day to lose someone you have loved so much and so long. What a blessing to know he’s with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully.We thank him for his service and the great influence he had in your life that now lives on through you. Well done, Mr. Lowe, well done! God bless! 💖

  3. Dawn Timmons says

    97 years! Wow! Well done good and faithful servant! ❤️🤍💙 What a legacy and tribute to him! We can only imagine what he is seeing right now! Praying for your family as you grieve his loss. Rejoicing with you that you KNOW where he is and will see him again. Big Hugs!

  5. Sheila says

    I’m so so sorry for your loss Shay!! 😢 I lost my dad right before Thanksgiving and it’s so hard, but thankful we have the assurance that they’re in heaven and of seeing them again. Prayers for you and your family!! 🙏❤️

  6. Julie says

    Oh my goodness, Shay. I’m at work crying while reading this. I am sorry for your loss. What a great man! I’m so glad that the Marines honored him before he passed away. I hope someone has contacted them, because they will come to his funeral too. You are so blessed to have had the great relationship with both sets of your grandparents. Some children don’t have a parent that comes to all of their events. What a beautiful life he lived!

  7. Alison says

    Oh, my heart hurts for you and your family Shay. I know all your grandparents were so special to you and especially your Papa who you’ve shared with us. I’m praying for you all. My Papa is 92, so I know the end is near for him, as well. What a sweet rejoicing it will be.

  8. Lyndsey says

    Awww, what a testimony. Encouragement for this Monday to continue fighting the good fight. It sounds like he was welcomed Home with a grand “Well done, good and faithful servant!”. Amen, amen. Also, how proud he must be, watching you use your own platforms to build His Kingdom here on Earth!! I hope you get lots and lots of emails today!!! Hugs to you today, Shay & fam! xx

  9. Beth Knecht says

    Aw, Shay! I am so, so sorry for your loss! I do my prayers each morning and this morning was no different. I always pray for your family after losing your Mimi and good health for your other grandma. I will add in the loss of your grandfather! You have always been so kind to pray for me; I’m hoping that your family feels the prayers, especially during this hard time!

  10. NancyK says

    Precious memories and love Shay you have of your Papa. My deepest sympathy for ALL of his family. Thank You, Mr. Lowe for your service to our country. This song comes to mind for your sweet Papa.
    “Go Rest High on that Mountain”
    Son your work on earth is done
    Go to heaven a-shouting
    Love for the Father and the Son

    ‘

  12. Rebecca says

    Shay, what a beautiful testimony to a man who obviously loved our Lord. What a beautiful homecoming that must have been in Heaven *tears*. I am so so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family during this time. Warmly, Rebecca

  13. Emily M. says

    That was a beautiful tribute! He loved and was so loved by all of you. What a blessed life!

  14. Susan Jeffries says

    Thank you for sharing. What wonderful grandparents you had and they blessed so many lives. While we grieve on earth after a death, our loved ones who follow Jesus are rejoicing in heaven. When my dad recently passed, I was over my head in grief, but I could not stop singing the song Oh Happy Day. What an amazing God we have. Prayers for peace for your family.

  15. Randi Jo Rooks says

    Sniff sniff . You have been truly blessed . Grandparents are so special. And godly grandparents are one of His greatest gifts. Rejoicing with you he is home and you will see him again. I look forward to meeting him someday 🙂

  18. Melissa Terry says

    Wiping away tears…what a legacy…what a life. Sending so much love to your family xo

  19. Scarlett Spangler says

    This brought tears to my eyes- I have so much respect for your family. Your papa was clearly an amazing man. I am so sorry for your loss ❤️ the grief you feel is a testament to the love you have for him, and what a blessing it is to get to love someone so wonderful.

  20. Julie Hicks says

    My heart hurts for you and your family, Shay. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have my grandparents until I was an adult but your Papa and my own Dad share many similarities. My parents were at every little thing my two children did – they even attended a performance of the heavy, HEAVY metal band that my son was “guest screamer” (it was painful). The other thing that grabs my heart and just squeezes it is your Papa’s pride in having served in the Marines. My dad was, too, and I have always been so proud to be his daughter. Sending prayers for comfort and peace.

  21. Kerri says

    What a beautiful post honouring your grandfather! ❤️ Praying for your family during this time!

  22. Traci M says

    Beautiful words Shay. I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family.

  24. Kristi says

    What a beautiful & heartfelt tribute to your Papa ♥ I am so sorry for your loss. I love how you will carry him with you in your heart! I am sure he and your Mimi are smiling down on your sweet family!

  25. Jennifer Goodwin says

    Praise God for the hope we have in Jesus and the promise that we WILL see our loved ones there again someday if they were believers. Your grandpa was precious, and I know you’ll miss him, but can you imagine his joy when he saw Jesus and his Mandy again? I love that quote by C.S. Lewis! I’ll be praying for your family in the days to come, Shay.

  27. Mary says

    So sorry Shay. I am in tears….Tears of sadness because I know he will be missed here on earth but tears of joy for a life well-lived and now united with the Lord and his wife of 75 years. Thank you for sharing his story with us and pray we can raise our boys to be strong men of God like he was. What a beautiful legacy. Love and prayers for you and your family during this time.
    (PS I can’t believe how much your grandpa and dad look alike, especially the picture of him with your grandma! So sweet.)

  28. Nana says

    What a blessing and gift he was not only to your family but your readers as well. I cried when he got his uniform. It reminds us —God’s timing is perfect. Prayers for your family.

  30. Dana P says

    🥺🥺🥺 I’m thankful that this isn’t the end, but goodbyes on this earth are so very hard. Praying for you all today, Shay. 💜

  32. Bridget Mulvanitt says

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and your entire family. What a man and what a legacy. 🙏❤️

  34. Angela says

    Oh Shay, so many hugs and prayers to you all! It’s such a difficult time when our loved one passes on, but knowing your Papa is in Heaven rejoicing with our Savior, Jesus, and being reunited with his beautiful wife….how amazing it must be!! I pray you feel God’s comfort and love. What an amazing life your Papa lived and I’m sure he heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”❤️ May we continue to shine for Jesus, just like your Papa did!

  35. Paige E says

    What a loss, and what a life! Angels are rejoicing with your Papa’s coming home. I know you will miss him and I pray for sweet memories for you and your family.

  36. Kate says

    I’m so very sorry Shay! He was incredible and I could see that through the internet ❤️ Sending lots of love and prayers to your family

  38. Donna Mason says

    What an incredibly beautiful tribute you wrote here Shay. Sending you my deepest condolences. He sounds like he is an amazing human being on so many levels. I am so happy you had the special relationship you had with him and those memories will live inside of you forever!

  39. Elisabeth Stiltner says

    Thank you for sharing about your dear grandpa – and more importantly his faith! I know you will miss him so much but his legacy of faith will live on! I love the verse “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” May God comfort you and your family.

  40. Kelly says

    My heart is so full reading this, and also with tears in my eyes, as you describe the pure love for others that only can come from a heart filled with Jesus. Well done, good and faithful servant. I’m so sorry for your loss, and pray for you and your family (especially your Dad as he lost both parents this year); but also truly rejoice with you for his glorious reward! What a wonderful time he is having now. Prayers for peace and comfort.

  41. Abby says

    Oh sweet Shay, I am crying at work reading this. What a wonderful man and a testament to being a good and faithful servant. Prayers and love sent to you and your sweet family.

  42. Becky says

    Such a sweet tribute to a Special Papa!
    And how Wonderful to know he is with Jesus and his love!!!
    Prayers for you and your family as you Celebrate his life!

  43. Jen says

    Shay, I am so sorry for your loss. How lucky you are to have had such an incredible man in your life. To your Papa, well done, good and faithful servant. Praying for you and your family.

  44. Charlene says

    Thank you for sharing about your grandfather. I hope your memories bring you comfort during this time of loss. Lots of love to you and your family.

  45. Tanya says

    What a beautiful tribute to him. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss, but happy to think of your Papa with his beloved wife in heaven.

  47. Lisa N says

    I’m sure he heard “Well done my good and faithful servant” Beautiful tribute, beautiful family. Love that the Marines showed him the honor he deserved💙

  48. Kathy says

    Beautiful tribute to your Papa, and what an amazing life and legacy!. While your family will miss him dearly, you know you will be reunited again in heaven.

  49. K.K. says

    Oh, Shay! You made me cry. What a blessing it is to have a legacy of faith and service. I relate with my own grandparents, and I am so thankful. I’m also glad they are all in heaven rejoicing and having the best time – and that I will see them again, but I do still miss them! Thanks for sharing what this man meant to you, your family, and the people he engaged with throughout his life. Praying that you and your family feel all the love directed your way today!

  50. Morgan says

    What a faithful servant of the Lord. I know God looked straight at him and said, “well done”. I am crying as I write this because the beautiful testimony of faith is the family he poured into every day. I hope you can rest in that. Thank you for always sharing your faith, it encourages me.

  51. Diane says

    What a legacy he left and you continue to pass along to all your readers! That CS Lewis quote filled me with the Holy Spirit. Sending all my love from Waco ✝️.

  52. Kayla A Bruce says

    This is so very sweet. My husband’s Grandpa (also a WWII vet, 95 years old, married 74 years, loved Jesus, living independently but ready to go) passed away on NYE. So bittersweet to say goodbye.

  53. Carol says

    Shay, I am so sorry. What a reunion he is having with your sweet Mimi. Thank you for sharing them with all these years. It was always like they were are Papa and Mimi too. Prayers for you, your Dad and family.

  55. Lisa D says

    Such a lovely and loving tribute to your Papa. Thank you for sharing him with your readers. God bless your family as you honor your sweet grandfather. How wonderful for you to have praying grandparents and parents. I am blessed to have had praying grandparents too. Those that go on before us are now watching over us and do not leave us as they are forever in our hearts.

  56. Kelly Kirkland says

    What a beautiful tribute to such an amazing man! Sending love and prayers to your family.

  57. Katie Stewart says

    Shay,
    So very sorry to read this about your sweet Papa. What a joy and peace to know that he is whole again in the arms of Jesus this morning! This is the comfort that I carry with me knowing that my sweet grandparents are experiencing that same eternal joy. Prayers for you and your family.

  58. Laura says

    “A piece of Roy Lowe will live in me forever” really stuck out. I hope this post was helpful for you to process. I’m thankful for all you’ve shared about your Papa. He’s been a blessing to your family and to our country. I am tearing up about how he now gets to be buried in uniform. The timing of all that sounds pretty divine. Pretty cool that God honored him like that 🙂

  59. sandi says

    What a beautiful tribute to him and how very blessed your kids are to have known him. Your family will be in my thoughts this week and the coming year as you have many firsts without him.

  60. Stephanie Snyder says

    As it’s been said about other great and heroic humans who finally, after a long and well lived life, meet their maker, the world’s loss is Heaven’s gain. Praise the Lord that your Papa is reunited with his sweet bride and with Jesus. I pray for your family at this time, that although you know he is where he is mean to be and with whom he is meant to be, your loss is still hard and hurts. I pray for peace and comfort for you and the arms of Jesus holding you up as you mourn a life lived well.

  61. Beth Valenta says

    What a wonderfully, sweet tribute. It is something strangely wonderful to say goodbye. I did this with my Dad and it is something that stays forever in my heart that I was there. All I could think about was how happy I was when I read about him getting his uniform. How God works is amazing. xo

  62. Julie says

    Precious tribute! Thank you for sharing about your Papa and his life. What a man he was!
    My deepest sympathies and love to you and your entire family. Prayers for your comfort ❤️

  63. Ashley says

    Oh Shay, sending you so much love and many prayers! I am so very sorry! You Papa sounds absolutely incredible. I teared up just reading the beautiful things you wrote about him. I love that he shared the love of Jesus with you and with so many others – it is the most important thing we can do here. It’s so hard to lose those that we love, but what a comfort we have knowing exactly where they are when they know Him and they are happy and at peace. I’m sad for your Papa that it took them so long to get him his much-deserved medals and uniform, but so happy that they did it before he passed. He looked so good in them! And I’m sure it made him beyond happy and so proud.

  64. Melinda Bridge says

    When I read about the story about the Marines honoring him with a dress blues uniform and medals, it reminds me of the Bible verse… 2 Timothy 4:7-8, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

    I am so sorry to read about your grandfather. Prayers for your family.

  65. Kristin Wilson says

    Long time follower… new commenter😀

    The uniform story has left me with chills! I’m so grateful for your Papa’s service to our country. May God fill your hearts with precious memories of your grandfather.

  69. Debbie says

    So sorry for your loss, but so thankful as you are for the promise of seeing our saved loved ones again in heaven! With each passing, I just think, heaven is sounding sweeter all the time!

  71. Patrice Bennett says

    Sending you a big hug Shay. God bless your Papa! What a fine example of a good man.

  72. Leslie Susan Clingan says

    Bless his sweet, sweet heart. He is finally home. And dressed to the nines in that snappy Marine uniform with all his medals attached. I know your Mimi was most impressed!! She probably fell in love with him all over again.

    Thank you for sharing your beautiful family with us. To include this darling man. He is one amazing patriot.

  73. Michele says

    Sending you and your family so much love at this time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers but you wrote a truly beautiful post and really honored a man who you clearly loved so much. Lots of love!

  74. WhittyWife (Lindsay) says

    I’m so sorry, Shay! My father passed away a couple weeks ago on Christmas Eve, and it really is bittersweet. It’s obviously sad for us, but they loved and served God, and we know they’re in the presence of God. I’m thinking of your family and praying. ❤️‍🩹

  75. Sarah says

    Wow. What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute. I’m in tears. It’s a beautiful thing to love someone so deeply. Biggest hugs to you and your family.

  76. Paula says

    I am so sorry, Shay. I have enjoyed stories about your grandparents throughout the years. What a beautiful legacy of loving & serving Jesus faithfully, serving his country, and loving his children and grandchildren well. Those wonderful characteristics will continue to live on in each of you. Prayers for your sweet family.

  78. Jennifer Bethune says

    You brought me to tears. What a wonderful tribute to your Papa! Prayers for you and your family.

  79. Beth says

    The quote from C.S. Lewis…chills! Enjoyed reading about the legacy your Papa left behind. Well done, good and faithful servant.

  80. Sandy Manning says

    What a beautiful tribute Shay. I’m about to have my first grandchild and we will be able to have a close relationship since they live close by so hopefully I will have a lot of time to be a grandma who attends all the things. My kids didn’t have that as we lived far from both sea though we always traveled to see them and they us as they were able. So you inspire me with your tribute to be that fantastic grandparent. It truly is a very special relationship. I am sorry for your loss here on earth but also know the tremendous comfort knowing they are in heaven. So many mixed feelings!

  81. E.W. says

    I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve experienced my own loss this week and my 7 and 11 year olds were right beside me. I know recently and firsthand how hard it is to experience a deep loss AND narrate/discuss it with your kids; it’s hard. I wish you peace and clarity and a lot of love. As I told my kids this week, love never dies. It can change but it never dies. You will always love Papa.

    If we were friends in real life, I’d hug you and drop off a casserole and small bunch of flowers. Since this is a comment on your blog, I’ll simply say thank you for sharing you and your family and your Papa with us.

  83. Amanda says

    My sincere condolences. What a handsome man he was in his dress blues. I’m so pleased to hear he received his uniform and medals before he passed. What an honor.

  85. Stacy Barno says

    I’m so sorry for the loss of your Papa. Grandparents are amazing people we are gifted to know. It almost been 2 years since my GiGi left us at 94. She was my last grandparent and I miss her everyday. She was there for basketball games, softball games, band concerts, dance recitals and just to spend a Saturday at the pool with us. But the sweetest memories I have are her with my boys who are 19 and 9. They just loved her as much as I did and I wish that they had more time with her. I was blessed to have 44 years with her.
    I’m so happy that you have those memories as they help so much with our aching hearts.

  86. Barb says

    So,so sorry about your grandpa. Grandpa’s are very special. He is with the Lord. GOD IS HOLDING HIS HAND AS HE IS HOLDING YOURS!