The Papa-factor

My Grandfather felt he was too young to be called Grandpa when I was born, and decided he liked Papa better...so Papa he became. If he knew then what we all know now, he'd learn that what was started all those years has really turned into "The Papa-factor". This year we celebrated his 80th birthday together with a fun-filled dinner and a delicious cookie cake. Unfortunately, with our large group and the large table we sat around, we weren't able to really have the family discussions that we're known for. I had hoped that we could all go around the table and say something that we appreciate, love and admire about Papa, but there was so much else going on that it completely slipped my mind.

Sure, I wished him a Happy Birthday and we sang to him. He even gave a little speech.  However, we didn't remember to touch on some of the most important qualities that this man has taught continues to teach us.  Papa is a man of his word. If he says he's going to do something, he does it. He stands by his beliefs, by his friends and by his family. He completed a marathon at 50 because he said he was going to do it. At 70 he used the words "I love you" more often (instead of just a thank you) because he knew what it meant to all of us for him to say the words out loud. He made us all so proud this year when he overcame a year of sobriety -at80flippinyearsold!- well, because (again) he said he was going to. He never stops growing, age is not a factor.

I know that he has taught us all a thing or two about commitment and triumph, about faith and of course about family. I'm so glad that Cameron knows you, Papa. He may be too little to know the importance of what a Papa is (and a Great-Papa at that), but boy does he know you're important. It's something about the way you look at him, mixed in with that deep voice, I think.  To be honest, it's the voice and the look that get all of us...Every. Time.

Happy Birthday Papa! It's amazing how much you've done in one years time -- what's even more extraordinary is what you've done in a lifetime though! We didn't get to say it out loud on December 31st at the turn of a new year, but we're all so, extremely proud of the 12 months that you've had! Here's to you in your 80th year: Rockin' the socks off of all the youngsters and staying up far closer to midnight then I did!

Tim said it best 10 years ago on your 70th..."no one will ever be you".  It's definitely what I like to call, "The Papa-factor"! You really are one of a kind, and they definitely don't make 'em like they used to.

I love you Papa! Where do we grow from here?