Steven Skelley

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my grandsons 130

2026-10-02T08:05:52.330-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my grandsons 130

Pawpaw loves Connor, Bryson and Archer Gilmer.

This August and September were definitely a challenge. I fainted twice in August. On Monday, August 31, 2026 I went to the Emergency Room after fainting. A Cardiologist ran several tests and then told me that I needed emergency open heart surgery. He put me at the front of his scheduled surgeries pushing everyone else back. At 5:30 a.m. the next morning, I went into the operating room.

They stopped my heart. A machine took over the work of my heart and lungs. The surgeon spread my ribs and went into my heart where he cut out my aortic valve. He then sewed in a cow's valve in its place. He put my heart back together, restarted my heart, put my ribs back in place and sewed my chest closed. It took about 5 and a half hours.

I'm still alive and getting better slowly but surely. I'll be honest with you, I was thinking about you three before the surgery. My hope was to stay alive in hopes that I would see you again some day.

I have never stopped loving you,

Pawpaw

Keywords: ConnorGilmer, ConnorRudolphGilmer, BrysonGilmer, BrysonEdwardGilmer, ArcherGilmer, StevenSkelley, SteveSkelley, PawpawSkelley, PawpawSteve,

#ConnorGilmer,

#ConnorRudolphGilmer

#BrysonGilmer

#BrysonEdwardGilmer

#ArcherGilmer

#StevenSkelley

#SteveSkelley

#PawpawSkelley

#PawpawSteve

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons 129

2026-08-31T14:55:08.269-07:00

Obligatory pre surgery hospital pic! Open heart surgery scheduled for tomorrow morning. Pre op at 6:30 am. I love you all,

Pawpaw

Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer, Archer Gilmer

Keywords:

connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons 128

2026-08-22T15:19:45.846-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons 128

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Tough weekend - I fainted for no reason. I went to the hospital Emergency Room on Sunday. On Wednesday, a Cardiologist scheduled me for a procedure on Friday!

I was awake as the surgeon's tool entered an artery in my wrist then traveled all the way to inside my heart. The results - aorta heart valve failure.

I'll have another test this week and then will be scheduled for heart surgery. One possibility is to install a mechanical heart valve. The other possibility is open heart surgery.

Pawpaw loves you.

P.S. I contacted your Mom but received no response.

Keywords:

connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 127

2026-08-19T17:53:36.127-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 127

"You Mattered" is a deeply emotional indie rock and acoustic-vibe ballad written, recorded, and performed by singer-songwriter Steven Skelley. Released as a single on March 30, 2026, the song is structured as a series of heartfelt, imaginary conversations with deceased family members, serving as a moving tribute to loved ones who have shaped the artist's life. [1, 2, 3]

Musical Style and Vibe

The track blends raw indie-rock instrumentation with an intimate acoustic ballad structure. Described as "very moving" and "wholesome," it focuses heavy emphasis on the vocals and lyrics to capture the bittersweet nature of grief and gratitude. [1]

Lyric Breakdown and Narrative

The lyrics chronicle a sequence of messages sent across time to specific family members, counting the years since their passing: [1]

The Mother: The song opens with the singer speaking to his mom, noting it has been 30 years since she passed away, simply wanting her to hear the words, "I miss you."
The Father: He addresses his dad next, marking 15 years since his passing, saying, "I heard you."
The Sister: He speaks to his sister, who passed 18 years prior, telling her, "I believed you."
The Grandmother: Finally, he reaches out to his grandma, 22 years after her death, to say, "I remember you." [1]

The driving chorus punctuates each of these confessions with the repeating, powerful affirmation: "You mattered." [1]

Core Theme and Message

The final verse shifts its focus to the listener, serving as an explicit call to action. Skelley urges people to speak with their loved ones today—even if they have already passed away—and to trust that they can hear the sentiment. [1, 2]

According to Skelley, the song was written because "life moves way too fast to leave the important things unsaid," making it a dedication piece meant to be shared with anyone who has completely transformed your life

YOU MATTERED composed by, recorded by and performed by STEVEN SKELLEY - "You Mattered" by Steven Skelley is the perfect track to send to the person who completely changed your life. Life moves way too fast to leave the important things unsaid. #YouMattered #StevenSkelley #TellSomeoneYouLoveThem #WholesomeTikTok #IndieRock #AcousticVibes #MusicDiscovery #YouMatterToMe #TellSomeoneYouLoveThem #GratefulForYou #IndieRockBallad #NewMusic2026 #SongwriterTikTok You Mattered by Steven Skelley I spoke with my Mom today 30 years since she passed away I wanted her to hear me say I miss you You mattered You Mattered You Mattered You Mattered I spoke with my Dad today 15 years since he passed away I wanted him to hear me say I heard you I spoke with my sister today 18 years since she passed away I wanted her to hear me say I believed you You mattered You Mattered You Mattered You Mattered I spoke with my Grandma today 22 years since she passed away I wanted her to hear me say I remember you Speak with your loved ones today Even years since they passed away Believe they hear you say You mattered You Mattered You Mattered You Mattered You Mattered You Mattered

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

This is a music video of one of the songs I've composed and recorded. I leave it for you to see and hear because I want you to know your Pawpaw. My songs and my poems are my life stories, my beliefs, my hopes and they tell fully who I am.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Keywords:

connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 126

2026-08-19T17:48:12.019-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 126

It’s Important To Shine by Steven Skelley

Intimate, comforting, and deeply personal, the song is a reminder that people are "beautiful and perfect just as they are." The message is one of hope, self-acceptance, and resilience—encouraging listeners to embrace their imperfections and allow their inner light to push through the dark times.

It’s Important To Shine By Steven Skelley I search the dark skies Almost every night For my lifelong friend Shining its light It’s sometimes a whole It’s sometimes a half It’s sometimes a smile As if it could laugh I also see scars That mark its round face My own scars call out That I’m a damaged disgrace Yes, the moon has its scars And I have mine Maybe scars are to teach us It’s important to shine o o o o Yes, the moon has its scars And I have mine Maybe scars are to teach us It’s important to shine It’s important to shine It’s important to shine It’s important to shine It’s important to shine Shine with me Shine with me Shine with me

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords:

connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 125

2026-08-19T17:44:37.902-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 125

"Little Things Make Life Better" by Steven Skelley is a gentle, reflective folk-pop track that serves as a musical reminder to practice daily mindfulness and gratitude. Clocking in at exactly 2 minutes and 20 seconds, the track functions like an audio journal entry, capturing the beauty of mundane, everyday occurrences. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Lyric and Narrative Themes

The narrative structure revolves around a sequence of simple, fleeting interactions that the singer actively vows not to take for granted. The lyrics prominently feature small moments of human connection and nature: [1, 2, 3]

Human Kindness: Seeing a child smile from their mother's arms or holding the door open for an elderly woman.
Sensory Details: Feeling the physical warmth of the sun on his face or a blade of grass brushing against his nose.
Daily Comforts: Hearing a favorite song catch on the radio or finding peace at night knowing he tried his best to be a good man. [1]

Musical and Structural Vibe

Repetitive Mantra: The track utilizes a highly repetitive, chant-like hook ("little things make life better") to drive home its grounding message. [1]
Vibe: It is stripped-back and acoustic-driven, matching the artist's broader discography of poetry and introspective music. [1, 2]
Purpose: Skelley designed the track as a functional mindset tool meant to help the listener maintain mental clarity and stay sane in a chaotic world.

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords:

connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 124

2026-08-19T17:35:26.396-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 124

A force of nature in a song ⚡️ Let the music bring light to the dark places. "Lightning and Thunder" by Steven Skelley is out now! You are not now and you have never been alone!

"Lightning and Thunder" is an uplifting, introspective spoken-word track and poem by musician and author Steven Skelley. Originally released as a single and later included on his album Pawpaw's Diary 1, the track blends acoustic elements with nature-centric imagery to deliver a message of hope, reassurance, and profound self-worth. [1, 2, 3]

Themes and Content

The song functions as a spiritual and emotional antidote to loneliness and identity crises. It explicitly focuses on three core pillars: [1, 2, 3]

Combating Loneliness: The narrative speaks directly to a listener who is wondering who they are and feeling isolated, explicitly reminding them, "You are not now and you've never been alone." [1]
Oneness with Nature: Skelley grounds human existence in the natural world. The lyrics parallel human life to deep-rooted trees, flowing seas, spreading wind, and the dark-piercing sun. [1, 2]
Ancestral Legacy: The song shifts into a celebration of heritage, telling the listener that they are the literal "voice of all your ancestors' dreams," the "victory of their struggles," and the ultimate "masterpiece of all your ancestors' artistry." [1]

Musical Style and Impact

Clocking in at 2 minutes and 38 seconds, the track is a stripped-back, intimate composition. Its primary intent is to function as "a force of nature in a song" meant to "bring light to the dark places." Listeners and followers of Skelley's work have noted it acts as a grounding mechanism to maintain peace and mental clarity in a chaotic world. [1, 2, 3]

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 123

2026-08-19T16:44:17.025-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 123

"Every Time I See Something Beautiful I Think Of You" music video with pics of you guys.

Acoustic storytelling at its finest. This is a song for the person you miss the most. Skelley crafts lyrics that delve into how experiencing everyday moments of beauty can trigger profound recollections of loved ones. The song operates like an audio journal entry or a spoken-word poem set to music. The 3/4 waltz-like rhythm naturally mimics the gentle "ebb and flow" of human emotion and nostalgia. Skelley transforms a personal reflection into a comforting anthem for his audience. It stands out as a sincere, heartfelt piece of independent storytelling that leaves a lasting, comforting impression. Known for his work across poetry, photography, and songwriting, Skelley brings his signature theme of finding "joy in the journey" to this poignant musical track. Skelley sings that he encounters stunning sights in nature or daily life, which immediately evoke the presence of someone special. If this song by Steven Skelley reminds you of your favorite person, send it to them right now.

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 122

2026-08-19T16:39:17.467-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 122

"The Dash" by indie artist, author, and poet Steven Skelley is a poignant, acoustic storytelling track that explores mortality, legacy, and the true meaning of life. Formatted like a spoken-word poem set to music, the song features a distinct 3/4 waltz-like rhythm designed to mimic the emotional ebb and flow of human nostalgia. [1, 2]

The Core Theme and Lyrics

The song centers entirely on the metaphor of a tombstone. Skelley notes that while everyone receives a birth date and a death date ("date dash date"), the dates themselves are out of our control. Instead, the song emphasizes that the tiny horizontal line separating those years—the dash—is the only part of life we actually get to create. [1, 2, 3]

Key lines from the track reflect this philosophy:

"They say that life is date dash date
Your tombstone records your birth and fate...
I find myself between the dates
The dash represents my current state
The place I'm challenged to create
The best dash in my date dash date." [1]

Musical and Structural Style

Audio Journal Entry: The track operates with the intimacy of a private diary reflection, serving as a deeply personal yet comforting anthem for the audience. [1]
Signature Artistry: Released on his album Pawpaw's Diary 1, the song incorporates Skelley's signature artistic focus on finding "joy in the journey" and processing grief through everyday moments of beauty. [1, 2]
Impact: It stands as a minimalist, heartfelt piece of independent songwriting meant to prompt listeners to reassess how they treat others and how they spend their own time on Earth. [1, 3, 4]

I did compose this song but my voice wasn't up to recording the vocals due to asthma. I hope you enjoy it anyway.

The Dash By Steven Skelley They say that life is date dash date Your tombstone records your birth and fate It matters not how grand or great We all receive our date dash date We do not choose the date we are born And death does not choose to forewarn Some see one hundred years while others still-born Life mimics the mystery of the rose and thorn I find myself between the dates The dash represents my current state The place I'm challenged to create The best dash in my date dash date Copyright 2021 Steven Skelley

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 121

2026-08-19T08:21:20.053-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 121

"The Sacred Band of Thebes" is a poignant, independent musical track by singer-songwriter and poet Steven Skelley, released as part of his album Pawpaw's Diary 2. The song serves as a musical tribute or modern "ode" dedicated to the famous elite military unit of ancient Greece.

Musical Style and Composition

The track functions like an audio journal entry or a spoken-word poem set to music. It is driven by a gentle 3/4 waltz-like rhythm, which Skelley intentionally utilizes to mimic the natural "ebb and flow" of human emotion, memory, and nostalgia. True to his signature style across photography and poetry, the song transforms a historical reflection into a comforting, heartfelt independent piece of storytelling.

Lyrical Meaning and Themes

Skelley wrote the track out of a desire to immortalize a historical truth that he felt was long buried or erased by subsequent religious and cultural shifts. The core themes of the song center on unbreakable romantic bonds, historical erasure, and validation.

The Historical Subject: The song pays homage to the real-life Sacred Band of Thebes, a 4th-century BC fighting force made up entirely of 150 pairs of male lovers. The historical premise was that soldiers would fight fiercely to the death rather than show cowardice or bring shame to their partners.

Vulnerability & Love: Skelley leans heavily into the emotional intimacy of these historical figures, reflecting on how they were famously buried side-by-side, holding hands in death—a testament to love conquering fear.
Reclaiming History: Skelley's lyrics critique how later centuries tried to hide the monument or omit the unit's homosexual nature from modern textbooks. By singing their story, he seeks to preserve their legacy and give a voice to LGBTQ+ history through a gentle, comforting anthem.

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 120

2026-08-19T08:16:00.396-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 120

Experience the powerful raw energy of "Together We'll Crawl", a standout rock track by Steven Skelley from his album Pawpaw's Diary 1. Known for his driving acoustic rhythm and deeply emotional lead vocals, Skelley delivers a gripping anthem of resilience, unity, and staying the course through life's hardest landscapes. I wrote TOGETHER WE'LL CRAWL as I meditated on "Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place" - Zora Neale Hurston

Together We'll Crawl By Steven Skelley

When you cannot run Or walk at all I'll get down on my knees Together we'll crawl If you're broken and bruised From hitting the wall If you can't get back up Together we'll crawl Together we'll crawl Together we'll crawl I'll be at your side Together we'll crawl If all you can do Today is bawl I'll put my arm around you Together we'll crawl If the weight is too much If your progress does stall Let me share your burden Together we'll crawl Together we'll crawl Together we'll crawl I'll be at your side Together we'll crawl

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 119

2026-08-19T08:12:01.582-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 119

Sherry's Smile is a poem and song I composed about my older sister Sherry. She passed away before you were all born, You would have loved her. She was special.

You hear a song that instantly makes you think of that one person who lights up your whole world. 🌟 "Sherry's Smile" by Steven Skelley is pure acoustic warmth. The lyrics on Pawpaw's Diary 2 hit right in the feelings. Go stream it on YouTube Music or Apple Music and think of your favorite person.

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 118

2026-08-17T07:15:28.901-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons - 118

"First Love" by Steven Skelley is a deeply emotional, autobiographical song that blends a tragic personal backstory - the song serves as a raw expression of lifelong grief, unspoken love, and regret.

Hi Kiddos! Pawpaw loves you.

Pawpaw loves you forever. I may not be here for the rest of your life but I will love you for the rest of mine and beyond.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary Messages to my Grandsons 117

2026-08-14T08:35:13.630-07:00

My Favorite T-Shirts Are Gathering Dust

By Steven Skelley

My favorite t-shirts are gathering dust

Stacked neatly on top of each other

There on the lowest shelf in my closet

I see them as I open the door

Grandpas and Grandsons are best friends forever

Old t-shirts are all I have left of you

My favorite t-shirts are gathering dust

My heart breaks each time I see them

I wish they were on my chest right now

Telling you how much I love you

Grandpas and Grandsons are best friends forever

Old t-shirts are all I have left of you

My favorite t-shirts are gathering dust

I used to wear them every day

My favorite people call me Pawpaw, one says

But they all mean something like that

Grandpas and Grandsons are best friends forever

Old t-shirts are all I have left of you

My favorite t-shirts are gathering dust

Staring at me from the stack on the shelf

Grandpas and Grandsons are best friends forever

Old t-shirts are all I have left of you

Grandpas and Grandsons are best friends forever

Old t-shirts are all I have left of you

Pawpaw loves you forever Connor, Bryson and Archer!

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 116

2026-08-12T17:33:49.169-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 116

Happy 11th Birthday, Bryson!

I've been thinking about you all day. I miss celebrating every birthday with you.

Love you forever,

Pawpaw

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 115

2026-08-01T13:27:53.732-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 115

Pawpaw loves Connor, Bryson and Archer!

Hi guys,

Here's a short video telling you about something I'm proud of.

I love you and miss you.

Pawpaw

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 114

2026-08-01T13:19:40.430-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 114

I wanted you guys to see that your parents and I had many loving years together. We all were happy together. I'm sorry that their new religion and politics caused them to disown us and ban us from seeing you or even sending you birthday or Christmas gifts. For some reason, 2021 would be the end even after she posted this about me being the best daddy and Pawpaw. I'll never understand.

I miss you all. So much love and life together was senselessly thrown away.

If you ever find my messages, please try to contact me. You will always be my buddy-pals.

Love you,

Pawpaw

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 113

2026-08-01T13:07:13.451-07:00

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 113

Connor and Bryson, do you remember this? You both are in it in this pic.

Your Mom told me that she'd like a way to store all your stuffed animals. I searched for designs online but couldn't find what I wanted so I designed this. Tom helped me build it for you two. I bought the zoo sign because I thought it was perfect for assorted stuff animals.

The funniest part was, after your Mom and I filled it to the top with your stuffed animals, you two took them all out so that you could sit in it!

Pawpaw loves you and misses you all. I would never leave you.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

Pawpaw's Diary: Messages to my grandsons 112

2026-07-28T15:35:02.326-07:00

Pawpaw loves Connor, Bryson and Archer and he always will.

I saw some photos of Connor and Bryson today from 2018. I had taken you to the Octagon Wildlife Rescue zoo. I hope you enjoy the pics.

We had many love filled and wonderful times together, my dears. I miss you.

Pawpaw

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: Messages to my Grandsons 111

2026-07-23T11:34:31.324-07:00

Pawpaw loves his grandsons. Pawpaw loves Connor, Bryson, and Archer. (I also love my bonus grandson Mike.)

This is a video I recorded while driving home from a modeling gig. I've been having trouble breathing for several months meaning I haven't been able to exercise. Also, the medications make my face swell a bit. I look heavier than I am but breathing is more important than looking thinner.

I hope you enjoy this message. If I'm still alive when you find this, please look for me and contact me. I didn't leave you. I have never stopped loving you.

Pawpaw Steven Skelley

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 110 - Connor's 14th birthday

2026-06-19T18:19:29.142-07:00

I know that this message is already 12 days late. It's not because I forgot. It's not because I don't love you, Connor. It's because I really miss you and thinking that I've missed another year with you and breaks my heart. On happier note, I wanted to sing Happy Birthday to you. Pawpaw loves you now and forever.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 109 - May 2026

2026-05-30T11:31:37.109-07:00

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 109 - May 2026

I cannot believe that it is nearly the end of May, 2026. This year has flown by. I did manage a 4 day visit to Ohio to visit my brother (your Uncle Skip) in January. He and his wife Barb are beautiful people. I wish you had known them.

This year has been very hard on my husband Tom. He was in terrible pain in January when I returned from Ohio. I took him to the hospital and they discovered he'd fractured his left hip all the way across. Then the fracture came apart and the hip was in two pieces 1 inch apart. He had to be transferred to another hospital where there was a Trauma Surgeon that could screw the hip back together, Tom spent over a month in the hospital and a rehab facility.

About two weeks after he got home, the screws all broke and his hip came apart again. The surgeon took the broken screws out, installed three new 6 inch screws and a plate to hold Tom's hip together. Then Tom spent another month in the hospital and the rehab facility.

It's the end of May and he's barely able to use a walker and walk to the end of our driveway and back.

Do you guys remember him? He was there for your births, Connor and Bryson. He rented your Mom her first home on her own when your Dad was in college. He held you in his arms many times as babies. Your parents would leave you with us when they went away on vacations. We loved every moment with you.

I love you and miss you all very much. I hope that you find these messages online and contact me when you are over the age of 18. I would love to see you again.

Love you forever,

Pawpaw

Yes, I look like Santa Claus now :0)

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 108

2025-12-26T10:08:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas 2025.

Pawpaw loves Connor 💘

Pawpaw loves Bryson 💖

Pawpaw loves Archer 😍

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 107 - My Home Is The Sky

2025-10-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 107 - My Home Is The Sky

I’ve felt different for most of my life. Even as a kiddo, I viewed things in a different way than my schoolmates. “My Home Is The Sky” has gone through several iterations as I tried to find the right words to convey my feeling that if I held on to my hopes and dreams, someday this little caterpillar would soar high like a butterfly.

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer.

Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 106 - Every Time I See Something Beautiful I Think Of You

2025-09-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

PAWPAW'S DIARY: MESSAGES TO MY GRANDSONS 106 - Every Time I See Something Beautiful I Think Of You

Every Time I See Something Beautiful I Think Of You By Steven Skelley There’s a red bird Sitting outside my window today And as it flutters, the colors Catch my eye and take my breath away It’s not that I’ve nothing better to do But I sit here it seems unable to move And my mind once again turns to thoughts of you Because every time I see something beautiful I think of you I think of you I watch the water Catching, reflecting the light The waves are rolling, moving Like they’re playing as a child might It’s not that I’ve nothing better to do But I sit here it seems unable to move And my mind once again turns to thoughts of you Because every time I see something beautiful I think of you I think of you Copyright 2025 Steven Skelley I hope that there has been someone, or maybe several someones, in your life that has made living here on planet earth better for you. I have. It is often in the quiet moments that I see a beautiful thing and the beauty reminds me of those beautiful souls that loved me along my path. Because every time I see something beautiful, I think of you. Hugs, Steven (I have come to the point at the age of 62 that the toxic mold exposure earlier twenty years ago and the resulting breathing disability won't allow me to sing my own songs. I hope that my songs continue to touch your heart regardless of who sings them. Hugs, Steven)

Pawpaw loves Connor Gilmer, Bryson Gilmer and Archer Gilmer. Keywords: connor Rudolph gilmer, Connor gilmer, Bryson Edward gilmer, Bryson gilmer, Archer gilmer, pawpaw, pawpaw Skelley, pawpaw steve.