Happy Birthday "Grancka"

I want to wish a very happy semi-milestone birthday today to my father, whose preferred name has been "Grandpa" for the past 6 years (and, now that his adoring 3-year-old grandson has started talking, it comes out more like "Grancka"). "Grandpa" is the most amazing father and grandfather I ever could have wished for. He (and my mom) teach me- and my children- on a daily basis what it means to be caring, dedicated, hard-working, ethical, loving, and generous. There has never been a time that Grandpa has not stepped forward for my children and me- and, these days especially, that means the world to us. He has a wonderfully close relationships with R. and S. (who are both named in memory of his parents, the "original" R & S), and spending time with him is a cherished part of their daily lives. If my own son turns out to be half as good a man as his Grandpa, I will know I did my job well.

Happy Birthday, Dad/Grandpa! We love you!

S. (age 18 months) falls asleep on Grandpa while having his last bottle, March 2008.