Hey Daddy! Happy Birthday Old Man!
You'd be 69 today!
You know we would all give a hard time about that! You know the jokes--better call the fire department for all of those candles, waaaay over the hill, & for those of us with our head in the gutter, we'd tease you about the number! But, we all know you'd be think the same thing, and Grandma would be shaking her head!
I giggle now because it's the truth! I'm sure everyone who knew you would agree, and is giggling as well!
Remember the last birthday you spent with us Daddy? It was a good day--for you and us! The whole family was there in the hospital with you. You smiled, you smiled a lot! If I could only describe how each of us felt seeing you smile. It was heart-warming, it was much needed, it was beautiful!
Later today I will release a balloon for your birthday, as I do every year.
As I sit here, I am overcome with emotions--the happy, the sad, and the in-between. You know, I always look for a sign, one that says you've received my gift. Often, it's a ray of sunshine, or maybe a rainbow, or a sprinkling of rain. And then, I look to the heavens, and I smile as a stream of tears trickles down my cheeks. I sigh. And I smile!
I long to hug your neck and really say, "Happy Birthday Daddy!"
This year, I think I'll smile! Because today, we celebrate you Daddy--the man you were, the life you lived, the lessons you taught, the spirit you left behind!
I've asked a few folks to share their favorite thing or a great story about/with you.
I, myself, am having a hard time coming up with my favorite story/thing about you.
I loved the way you loved! Maybe that's weird for me to say, but, do let me explain. I'm not just referring to the love you showed me, but the love you had for your family and your bride. It was real! You put all of us first, and foremost--made sure each and every one of us had everything we needed, or wanted, and were happy! You would do whatever it took to make us happy! Turtle, turtle, right?
I miss all of the little things:
The messages that were left, "Hey Jess, this is your Dad. Just calling to say I love you!" The spankings left un-had because "but Daddy I love you" won you over. The little tap Grandma received just to say, "Babe, you still got it going on!" Resting your eyes. Getting scratch off lottery tickets and ice cream, but having to promise we wouldn't tell Grandma so neither of us would get in trouble. Just a swingin' on the porch. Your collection of hats (my favorite one is below) and Hess trucks.
So, here's to another year celebrating your birthday, Daddy! Happy 69th!
I want to say a SPECIAL thanks to everyone who shared a story, a favorite trait, and/or a birthday message. Thank you all for helping me celebrate another birthday for the GREATEST man in heaven!
Remember the last birthday you spent with us Daddy? It was a good day--for you and us! The whole family was there in the hospital with you. You smiled, you smiled a lot! If I could only describe how each of us felt seeing you smile. It was heart-warming, it was much needed, it was beautiful!
Later today I will release a balloon for your birthday, as I do every year.
As I sit here, I am overcome with emotions--the happy, the sad, and the in-between. You know, I always look for a sign, one that says you've received my gift. Often, it's a ray of sunshine, or maybe a rainbow, or a sprinkling of rain. And then, I look to the heavens, and I smile as a stream of tears trickles down my cheeks. I sigh. And I smile!
I long to hug your neck and really say, "Happy Birthday Daddy!"
This year, I think I'll smile! Because today, we celebrate you Daddy--the man you were, the life you lived, the lessons you taught, the spirit you left behind!
I've asked a few folks to share their favorite thing or a great story about/with you.
"James was always thin in statue but strong-minded and sometimes maybe even stubborn. He had a strong work ethic that was handed down to him by his parents and he provided for his family by always working hard. He also had a very strong will that all of us saw especially in the months and weeks before he passed away. I think there is probably not a single one of us throughout the family that did not admire that strength and I am sure it helped him through many trying hours. Olen and I are both glad that we were able to be with all of you at Duke and share in those last hours, to witness his strength to the very end. We know how much he loved you and Jamie and Jordan. Please always let that love and his will for you all to develop some of his great qualities in life to be the things that you inherit and follow for your lives. He loved you all so much. I have often wondered what he thought about all of you kids being there at the hospital with him. I am sure it made him happy. My forever impression of that day....Jacob....as the doctor finished talking to us and asked if anyone else had any questions finally little Jacob said, "I do." "When is he going to die?" And the doctor said, "I can't answer that son, only God can." How grown up and profound for a little fellow at the time to ask such a question in the serious way he did it. I thought I would choke trying not to cry out loud."
"I love that no matter what, he would do anything and everything he could to make us happy!"
"I just wanted to say, Happy Birthday!!! Miss you! You are a GREAT Dad! Love you!"
I, myself, am having a hard time coming up with my favorite story/thing about you.
I loved the way you loved! Maybe that's weird for me to say, but, do let me explain. I'm not just referring to the love you showed me, but the love you had for your family and your bride. It was real! You put all of us first, and foremost--made sure each and every one of us had everything we needed, or wanted, and were happy! You would do whatever it took to make us happy! Turtle, turtle, right?
I miss all of the little things:
The messages that were left, "Hey Jess, this is your Dad. Just calling to say I love you!" The spankings left un-had because "but Daddy I love you" won you over. The little tap Grandma received just to say, "Babe, you still got it going on!" Resting your eyes. Getting scratch off lottery tickets and ice cream, but having to promise we wouldn't tell Grandma so neither of us would get in trouble. Just a swingin' on the porch. Your collection of hats (my favorite one is below) and Hess trucks.
So, here's to another year celebrating your birthday, Daddy! Happy 69th!
I want to say a SPECIAL thanks to everyone who shared a story, a favorite trait, and/or a birthday message. Thank you all for helping me celebrate another birthday for the GREATEST man in heaven!
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