Today is my Pop's Birthday. I have been writing letters to my parents for their birthdays. I really can't think of a better gift than to tell someone how much they mean to you. I wrote this letter over the weekend and gave it to him privately. I had not planned on posting it, but he thought I should. So here it is.
April 15, 2011
Dear Poppa-
Happy Birthday! So here we are, you are the BIG 60, and me the not as big 30 J. Can you believe it? I know I can’t. Over the years we have had so many good memories together as father and daughter. I would like to spend some time reminiscing on those times in this letter to you. When I decided to write this, I was thinking about all the things I wanted to say to you. One thing that kept coming back to my mind was, when did I realize that my father was different than my friend’s fathers? I am not sure exactly when this happened, but when I was younger I had no idea that you were so amazing. Now, don’t take that wrong way. What I am saying is that I thought that all Poppas played ball with their kids every evening after working all day, and that other kids had the most awesome bicycle tracks in their yards, or that their poppas went sledding with them at 1:00 in the morning. Man, was I wrong! I think I started to see this, when all the kids wanted to live with us. And, when I would go to my friend’s house their father was always watching TV or whatever it is that most men do.
I remember when you went out to Utah to get our stuff out of storage. We weren’t there when you got home. I clearly recall pulling up in the driveway and you had set our trampoline up by yourself. Lord, knows how tired you must have been, but that didn’t matter, you did it for us. We were so excited, and when we ran up to it, there were three letters taped to the legs of the trampoline with our names on them. I remember that you drew a balloon my envelope. After a quick romp with the boys (I am sure it was a WWF session for Ira), I went into the house, you were sound asleep in the bed. You hadn’t shaved in a few days, and you looked kind of different to me, I crawled into bed with you and laid my head down on your chest. I was so happy, my Poppa was home.
Poppa, you have always made me feel so incredibly special. I always loved it when you would bring home flowers that you picked for Mom and you would put one on my pillow, whose father does that? Mine! I remember when we would be in the old station wagon, listening to John Mellencamp, he was John Cougar back then, but anyhow, and songs like china girl or taxi dancer would be playing and you would hold my little face by the chin and sing to me. I have to admit though; you set a high standard for my husband in the romance department. While I am on that subject, I know that because you treated me with so much love and respect growing up, that I chose someone to spend my life with, who treats me the same way. So, thank you. And of course, the way you are with Mom is beautiful; you have set a great example for me and for Doug. I also love the way you have taken Doug in and treated him like a son. It makes me feel great to know that you guys truly like each other and I know he thinks of you as a father.
Another memory I would like to touch on are our family ski trips. I will never forget our first trip to Colorado. Our condo was amazing with the spiral staircase. Ira, Levi, and I thought we had died and gone to heaven. I always loved riding up the lift with you. The boys and I often talk about our night skiing adventures. We thought it was so cool that you would peel oranges for us on the ride up in the gondola, you were always thinking of us. I thought it was awesome when you learned to snowboard with me, even if you did almost crap your pants that one time J. And of course your signature WOOOOOOOH has been a theme ever since.
Skydiving, how could I not mention our skydiving adventure! I was thrilled when I finally got to go jump out of a perfectly good airplane with you. I remember how scared you were. Your face was ghost white. I was looking to you for courage, but I think I may have held you up that dayJ. Thanks for taking me, I will never forget it.
One time I went with you to pick up a load of river rock. I am not sure where it was, but we were in one of the big trucks. I thought you were so strong/crazy when you were picking up these humongous rocks and putting them in the back of the truck. I remember I would search for the big ones and you would come pick them up. On the way home we laughed our butts off. I can’t remember what we thought was so funny, but it was a good time and once again I just felt special when I was with you, even if was just picking up a load of rocks.
Remember when we went and picked up the bedroom suit early to surprise Mom? We set it all up before she got home, turned off the lights, and hid under the blankets. We were all trying so hard to be quiet. I remember Levi was so excited that he kept giggling. I will never forget Mom’s face when she walked in the room. She was so surprised. Of course the presentation was most of it. You have always had a way of making everything more exciting. I guess that is what Mom means when she says “put another quarter in and hold on for the ride”.
A recent memory that I cherish deep in my heart was during the birth of Chloe. Right before she was born, you were holding me up, you had your head next to mine, and I could feel your tears falling on my shoulders. I am so glad that you were there; I can’t imagine bringing her into the world without you being with me.
Watching you with my daughter touches me in a way that I didn’t anticipate. I mean, I knew that it would be fun seeing you with your grandchild, but I didn’t know how special of a relationship you guys would have. She loves her Pa and I truly love sitting back and just observing you two together. It melts my heart. There are many days when I am ready to go home, but I wait for you to get there, so Chloe and I can spend time with you. I think I love it so much, because I can kind of re-live my childhood and see how you were with me when I was just a tyke. Sometimes I think “wouldn’t be great if I could be Poppa’s mom? I would give him an amazing life, like he did for us.” I bet for sure that I was your Momma I would definitely give you some well deserved whippins on your backside though! Of course, that dream is impossible, but I promise to give my children everything I can, like you have done for us.
I could go one for pages and pages with all the wonderful memories we have had. These are just a few that are in the front of my mind at the moment. I have been so blessed to have a great childhood and you and Mom are to thank for that. You have given your lives to us and I am forever grateful to you.
Poppa you have been the BEST, most unique, adventurous, ca-razy, beautiful, romantic, inspiring and creative father anyone could ever ask for. I have always felt so safe and protected if you were there. The sky could be falling, but if you were there, then no worries. You are my hero and always will be. You have worked so hard, loved so hard, laughed so hard, and definitely cried so hard, and all for us. You are truly “one of a kind”. I have always been so proud that you are my Poppa and I love you dearly. Thank you a million times over.
Your Daughter
Lex
P.S. I have stocked up on quarters, so keep the ride “a goin”!!!!!!
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