I know I'm going to struggle to get this worded the way I want. Not because the sentiment is hard to scrounge up but because my kids melt my brain a little bit (a lot bit today).
When I thought about what to get you for your birthday, I couldn't come up with much. I mean, I'd love to gift you and Mom a trip to Ireland. Or the opportunity to throw a pitch at Turner Field. Or a machine that automatically makes you your favorite bagel in the morning. But as great as all of those ideas are, I couldn't make any of them happen.
But I'm going to give it my best to wish you a great happy birthday in this lame letter.
For the past 2.5 years, I've watched you through a new set of eyes. I've seen you be Abuelo to Anthony's kids, but now you're Abuelo to my kids. It's a special thing to sit in this spot of mine. To watch you love my boys, delight in them, it's something I try to not take for granted.
So, when I see you walking with Nolan along the pond, throwing rock after rock after rock with him. I take a mental picture (and a real one). Not because it's an extraordinary moment, but because it's so ordinary and so normal for you. If Nolan asks, the answer is probably, "YES!"
Or when you get in your bathing suit to sit with him in the plastic blue kiddie pool, I notice. I feel loved for the ways you eagerly and happily spend time with Nolan. Again, I take the mental picture and a real one. So one day I'll show Nolan his naked booty and say, "Look at Abuelo! He was 'swimming' in that pool with you just to be with you." Because that's kind of just who you are.
You bring that little boy blueberries and strawberries just because you know he loves them.
You buy the cereal that I casually mention is too expensive just because you know Nolan loves them.
You stop by after work, hoping to arrive at just the right time post nap. Because you just want to see him.
The list could go on and on and on.
And while your generosity is probably extra amped up for your grandkids, this is just a snapshot of who you are. You see a need and silently fill it, not needing recognition. Often times, even giving in secret. You give out of the abundance, and you give when it hurts. Because you know the Giver and honor His generosity in your own life.
You value people. You especially value your people, but you value individuals. You know each person has a story, and you take opportunities to be present in those stories.
You are such a hardworking and humble man. I remember watching you walk around the parking lot of your store, picking up garbage. There were two employees in the dining room that could have done that, but you didn't even hesitate to go out there. Because you lead by example and consider yourself part of the team. You are a picture of servant leadership. And the best servant leaders don't teach it, they live it. You live it.
You live it out at home, too. I have to be quick to beat you to the sink to clean up after a big family meal. Even on Christmas day, I had to get my bossy voice to get you to stop cleaning up. Maybe you find it to be cathartic. Maybe you have a hard time sitting still. Or maybe you just like to be very sure that Mom isn't the one cleaning up after she's cooked.
You are a man of integrity. You are steadfast even in a storm. You are loyal and faithful. You respect authority. You keep your mouth shut when it'd be easy to not (in the right circumstances). You speak Truth. Loudly. You invest in the people around you, and it seems to come naturally.
A few times in the last year I've thought to myself, "Gosh! I'm so lucky to have him as my dad!" Like when you had probably 100 people (most of whom I don't know) praying for me as Isaac's delivery got closer and closer. I probably don't want to know the mass texts that went out in April, but I know I had an army praying on my behalf.
Thank you.
Thank you for loving me and my family the way you do. Thank you for leading, serving, and giving the way you do. I am challenged to be better at all of those things.
Happy Birthday, Daddy. I'm grateful to call you my dad and to watch you be Abuelo to Nolan and Isaac. In all of this world, I wouldn't pick anyone else for the job.
You are one of God's best gifts in my life. I hope you get a good gift this year!
Love,
Marissa
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