I can say so much about Paula as I’ve known her since I was 6 years old as I am one of Crystal’s close friends. While I haven’t seen her as much as I would have liked in the last 10 or so years, when I did see her it’s as if no time went by in between. She gave me the same smile, the same hug, and the same “how you doing Anna?” with that wonderful laugh.
The memories that I am about to list stick out to me the most, they may seem small to others but they are largely imprinted in my heart and those close to Paula may know what I mean and I hope they make you smile a bit.
So, I spent much of my childhood spending the night at their house on the weekends, and without fail every morning Paula would come into the dark room at probably 5 am to vacuum. Crystal and I would moan and groan with the noise and Paula would just snicker and say she is almost done but I swear it lasted forever. I also have imprinted in my head from when I was young Paula’s voice “get your hands off the walls, Anna”. Paula sure loved a clean house and I often teased her that she was the neatest freak I knew … in all jokes and love of course. I can’t eat macaroni and cheese without black pepper because of her. Achy Breaky Heart reminds me of her, in fact, most country music does as I heard that playing loudly through the dining room most mornings. At one point Paula and my mom thought it was best to separate Crystal and I since we were “bad together”, but they found out in about a week that it wouldn’t work and I was embraced back into her life with fully open arms. She sent Crystal and I out on a blind double date once that went terribly bad and when we got home to tell her about it, the 3 of us laughed for hours. I can go on and on. However, what I will remember the most is that beautiful unique laugh, that beautiful smile, the ease of chatting with her like a friend, the inside jokes from younger days, and most of all the way she cared about everyone around her. Paula is loved by so many, and that shows you how wonderful she was. Heaven sure gained a beautiful spirit and I know that she is shining that same bright light down on her daughters, grandchildren, and all of her loved ones. I’ll miss you Paula and I will always treasure my memories with you. To Paula's family, I am so very sorry for your loss and I love you all ❤️