One year ago today you took your final breath on this year and your first in eternity. Can't wait to see you there one day.
Legacy isn't just about the things we leave behind; it's about the lasting impact we have on the people and traditions that follow. My late Grandpa Donald Parrott, a man who radiated love, wisdom, and joy, left behind a legacy that continues to thrive in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. It has been one year since He took His last breaths on this side of heaven. But our hardest day of seeing them pass is their best day as they awake in Heaven. So this is for Him.
One of Grandpa's most enduring traditions was the Shoe Party, a special event that has become a beacon of love and generosity within his community. It all began with Grandpa’s heart for others. He saw a need and didn’t hesitate to fill it. Every year, the Shoe Party is a time when local students, many from underserved backgrounds, were invited to receive a new pair of shoes, winter gear, books, food, and so many other goodies. But this wasn’t just about material gifts—it was about making the children feel seen, valued, and loved. Grandpa understood that sometimes, it’s the small, practical things that make the biggest impact. After every shoe party, He would tell me privately how many smiles He saw and how it made Him so happy. Some of my favorite memories are of going to the store to get shoes with Him. I remember when KMart went out of business and we went to get every shoe they had to make sure we got them. Or we went to the store to get shoes with the list of sizes as we talked about which to get the entire time there. And seeing this man, who was a tiny bit shorter than me (if you asked Him, it was the other way around) carrying a dozen Shoe boxes stacked up.
Grandpa had an innate ability to recognize the struggles others were facing, and instead of just sympathizing, he took action. He gathered donations from the community, enlisted family members to help, and created an event that not only provided essentials but also allowed for connection, encouragement, and support. The Shoe Party grew over the years, with dozens of children leaving with not just shoes, but a sense of hope and community.
Now that Grandpa is no longer with us, we carry on this tradition in his honor. The Shoe Party continues to be a time of giving. Every child who receives a new pair of shoes is reminded that they are cared for and important, and that’s a powerful message to send to the next generation. The Shoe Party, known as the Washta Shoe Party, continues and will continue through generous support as a pillar of the community and a legacy of Grandpa's. And one day, I will be honored to do one in my local community in His honor as well.
Grandpa's legacy wasn’t just about the events he organized—it was about the way he lived his life. His example of loving God and loving people well is what inspired me to go into ministry, particularly working with youth. He showed me that ministry isn’t just about preaching or leading; it’s about showing up, making a difference, and loving others unconditionally. He was always my biggest supporter in ministry. My favorite memories are standing at the pulpit seeing Him smiling (or dozing off), sharing a story about Him or having him "time me" if I got too wordy. There is a reason I have a shirt that says, "Be Careful or you'll end up in my sermon." It was solely for Him! He taught me that even one moment with someone—a kind word, a simple gesture, or a shared laugh—could transform their life forever. And His laugh and actions were contagious.
It was through watching him that I learned what it means to be present for others, especially for young people who are searching for love, guidance, and affirmation. Grandpa believed in the power of individual connection, and he believed that we could change lives by being willing to step into the lives of others with compassion. He didn’t wait for the perfect moment or the grand opportunity—he simply took action when he saw a need. He showed tough love to His students that he taught as a longtime school teacher. He didnt fear being tough, yelling, or showing someone who was boss. For many, that is exactly what they needed to continue!
Because of Grandpa’s example, I felt called to follow a path in ministry, with a focus on youth and trauma. His legacy of loving others and creating opportunities for change continues to fuel my passion for serving young people and helping them know they are valued and loved by God.
As we continue the traditions Grandpa Parrott set into motion, we are reminded of the power of legacy. It’s not just about what we inherit, but about what we pass on to the next generation. Every Shoe Party we celebrate, every memory we share, and every lesson we carry forward is a testament to a life well-lived—a life that continues to inspire.
For us, the Shoe Party is more than an event; it's a celebration of Grandpa’s legacy and the enduring power of family. And as his grandkids, we’ll continue to uphold his traditions, ensuring that his love for us—and his love for the moments that bring us together—will live on for generations to come. We hold more than just this tradition to honor Him. Our Phase10 games have been legendary because Grandpa took time to make sure we all knew how to play. Our Casino winnings are a showing to him as He loved his penny slots. Each piece of His story lives in a different place in my heart but continues to transform my life and one day will impact my own kids and their kids.
Grandpa Donald Parrott may no longer walk among us, but his spirit, his laughter, and his love for his family remain in the traditions we carry forward. Through the Shoe Party and the grandkids who follow in his footsteps, his legacy continues to inspire, teach, and connect us. His dedication to filling the needs of others, his passion for serving, and his ability to create moments that matter will never be forgotten.
The power of legacy isn’t in the grand gestures, but in the small, meaningful ways we remember and honor those who came before us. Grandpa’s legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his love. Through the Shoe Party, through the work we do in his honor, and through the way we live our lives, we continue to celebrate the man who showed us how to love others deeply and selflessly. Grandpa’s legacy of love, service, and transformation will forever inspire us all.
