dad

belated,  yes.

but I decided that my feelings for father's could be acknowledged any and every day.

so...

these are my fathers:

Lee Campbell: My grandpa is stalwart and humble.  He is talented and creative.  He is observant, wise and ever faithful.  I remember my grandpa most sitting quietly as his loud, talking, laughing family swirled around him at our many gatherings, with a sweet smirk on his face.  Sometimes I can feel him close.   It has been one of my greatest comforts.  He was a good man.  A great man. 

Otto Ludwig: When I think of my grandpa, I almost always hear his laugh in my head.  He is generous and loves to have his family around him.  He is strong and constant.  He tried a few times to convince me that he was Santa Claus.  I think I believed him.  He was by far the coolest grandparent at grandparents day in 5th grade and I'll never forget how proud I was to be his granddaughter.  I still am.

Richard:  My papa-in-law is the sweetest man I've come across.  And probably actually is Santa Claus.  He is lighthearted, loves to laugh and makes us all laugh.  He is humble and extremely kind.  He's a child at heart and reminds me to enjoy the good things.  He favors me with Werther's Originals at church and it drives Ian crazy that he doesn't get one too.  I feel blessed to be a part of his family and am so grateful for his open and never-judging arms.

Nels Wilson: My dad is passionate.  He lives with purpose and faith and has ever been my example.  I love his enthusiasm for new discoveries, be it a movie, a gadget or an artist.  He is always willing and excited to share this enthusiasm, making you feel important and loved by him.  My dad is strong in many ways.  He has talents up the wazoo and I love the sound of his powerful tenor voice.  He is a good teacher.  He's my daddy and I miss him. 


Now that I'm sniffling and leaking everywhere, I realize why it took me so long to write this particular tribute.  Who and where would I be without these men?  It doesn't bear thinking on.  How lucky I am.

happy father's day.