Happy 95th to Dad!!!

There is nothing like a birthday party...........
     a birthday party for 95 years lived............
            a celebration of a lifetime of living...........

     The poor childhood filled with work, family, siblings, work, games, schoolmates, work, dances, work.......
  
     The hard days and nights on foreign shores at war.........
          the letters from a woman
          the longing for home, a pillow, no flies, sleep
          the prayer for saving grace to a God not yet known......and then.....His  REAL presence
  
      Then the togetherness with the woman, Louise...........
          bringing......
          —eight children complete with...
          laughter, tears, joy, prayers, decisions, loss,
               His presence
          —work and blessings and joy
          —milking cows, church, milking cows, school board meetings, milking cows, county planning  meetings, milking cows and more,
          —and.......grandchildren in abundance with hugs, kisses, questions, and love

    The separation by death from the love of his life............but HIS presence

There is nothing like a birthday party............to remember Dad
and to WISH him many more (or not) the Lord willing.

[for those of you who know us: back row—Kevin, Rick, Kerry, Craig, Kim; front row—Roxana, Dad, Darnly]

Also the top picture was taken in 1978 at the farm north of Elizabeth, CO, 

the middle picture at Dad's 90th Birthday celebration at Christ Haven Lodge in  Florrisant, CO 

and the last one January 21, 2012, in Eads, CO. 

Thank you, God, for—
#221—having my dad around for years and years and then extra years
#222—Dad's wisdom and advice,  given when asked for
#223—a daddy who always thought I was the prettiest girl in the class....when I didn't
#224—a grandfather who loved and spanked my kids when their own daddy couldn't
#225—Dad's love for God and His word, influencing wisdom shared
#226—Daddy's servant spirit modeling the "one another" commands in Scripture to young, moldable hearts.
#227—Dad's advice the night before our wedding, "Give 200% to each other no matter what and your marriage will be fine....."
#228—A beautiful sunset to end a beautiful birthday celebration!!