Thursday, August 09, 2007

IT IS ALL HIS FAULT


This man is as close to perfect as an earthly person can be. I hope he does not read this because he will call me and get all defensive about "that is not true, and what will people think, etc...." That is how humble people are, I think. I am not that humble. But, I claim it as my opinion based on FACTS as well as the opinion of anyone else who has ever ever known him. He is a man of service like you wouldn't believe. He sees nothing but good in people. If he can meet someone else's needs he is going to do, no questions asked. He has a true servant's heart. He has worked for the public since he was probably 12. This last gig for over 20 years has been with the court system. He is the judge's right hand man. He is the indispensable man you see roaming the courthouse. The one who would do anything you need done. The best hug giver on the face of the earth.
OK. Now, back to the man in the picture. He also loves everyone and everyone loves him. Especially women of all ages. Because he is so durn cute. I mean he is witty and cute. It is a rare occasion when he is NOT dressed up complete with tie. He even mows in nice clothes. Handsome as all get out. He needs his own calendar. Young people adore him and the older ladies OH MY. Everyone seeks his wise advice as well as spiritual and "what should I do if my car does this or that" or things like, "How can God forgive me?" He knows something about everything. He daily works the JUMBLE and the hardest crosswords. He has played FREECELL on the computer so much that he has won through every single game several times around. He likes game shows, his family knows why. He is never still. There is always something to be done.
I posted this a few days early so that you could remember this special day and say a prayer of thanksgiving that you know him or have heard of him. Because, this weekend, on the 11th, this man turns 85 years old young. I say young because it is true. He works circles around me. He still works full time. He puts me to shame. He still takes care of me and everyone else, he still makes me laugh, he still loves his wife and has for 65 years. He still conducts God's business discreetly or openly, and he is not ashamed to be known as a man of God. He works hard, he worries alot, he is never ever still. He is however, quiet and humble. He sweeps too much, he mows when it is too hot, and he lets people take advantage of him. He hates the word vacation. We used to laugh that he had to be "twist tied" to a lawn chair. He can't watch a movie, a TV show or anything that might make him sit still. Unless, it's the baseball game or WHEEL of FORTUNE . He used to like Johnny Carson and the Andy Griffith Show and they would keep his attention. He likes his clothes starched and ironed, he takes lots and lots of time "resting his eyes" or power naps as some call them. He has a hidden humor that many people who don't know him miss. He is a comic and a joke cracker. He does all the chores at the church building that everyone wonders who did them. He's the one. He mows there if it needs it. He does not like attention brought to his own family for fear that someone might think less of them. When it is his turn to make the announcements / prayer requests at church he sometimes "leaves" his own off not to take away from someone else's needs. He loves his family first and foremost after his love for God. He adores and loves ALL of his 9 grandchildren and he phones his 9 great-granchildren and listens to them babble and he coos to them. He loves someone to tell him a story, especially bear stories, as in the 3 Bears. He has even resorted to paying for them. He is the reason I am so compulsive about everything! Because I have always wanted to be like him and just couldn't come close. He is a friend to everyone and believe me, you would want him to be your friend. You' d never be wanting for anything.
This man is my DADDY. Is it any wonder that he was my first and true forever love?

11 comments:

Ashley said...

I love my P-O-P-P-I!! Happy Birthday, Poppi!

Rochelle said...

What a great post!! He sounds like a great man! Your words express just how much you love, admire, and respect him!!

jody said...

We have been blessed beyond words to have Poppi and Nana as our parents. Thanks for telling everyone--again--how much we love our Daddy and what an amazing man he is. Thank you God. Love, JoJo

paul said...

There is nothing quite like a love between a daughter and a Daddy. Happy Birthday!

Praise for the Lord for good dads like yours!

Heather's House said...

Yes, you are right! Poppi is one of a kind. I am so glad God gave him to us to be our role model! We are so lucky and so blessed. And, my kids think he hung the moon. Reid loves hanging out with him and Macy loves telling him bear stories. I think she just might have one for the party. HA!

I am so excited about the weekend! It will be so fun! :)

Love you.

Lisa said...

What a great tribute to your dad. I hope he does get to read it!

Alana said...

Your Dad sounds like an amazing man! Love the picture of you together!

Kelley said...

Way to go Daddy. Ya gotta love that us southern girls refer to our Fathers as "Daddy" no matter how old we get.

Jenna said...

Poppi is pretty special!! Can't wait to see you TONIGHT!

Unknown said...

Love all your words about your daddy...they are special, aren't they! I, too, am blessed with parents who are the truest description of servants. I am so happy that yall will all be together to celebrate his special day...Jack is coming with Giggi and Pawpaw to represent his little family. I knew there was something so special about your daddy the first time I met him. I love seeing him with the little ones. Have a wonderful weekend!
Hugs!

Giggi said...

Hope you had a happy birthday Daddy! You are the best daddy ever & we are so blessed to be your girls! Thanks to Lynn for her sweet post & for doing the organizing for the party. We loved it & love all of you!