Happy Birthday Captain

Happy birthday Grandpa!



You're 92 years young today. You're still driving, which is awesome and a bit scary at the same time.

You're not my Grandpa by blood, but you're the only one I've truly known. You were with Grandma for 41 years, and as I've said before, it gave me great joy to introduce you to friends as my Grandma's boyfriend. I can't imagine the pain you went through at the end of her life, and what you're still coping with, but your strength through it all has shown me what true love and devotion looks like.

I love hearing about the latest thing you learned from Scientific American, and hope that if I'm around when I'm 92, I'm still trying to learn something new every day.

Although we endlessly tease you about your stock market schemes, we know that it keeps your mind sharp.

Thank you for your service. I still don't know the full story of your ship being hit in World War II. I know you lost your room mate and your best friend in one horrible moment. I cannot imagine how you kept going, but you continued to serve our country with honor. I cannot say thank you enough.

I dread the day that you move up to Oregon to be closer to your actual family, because you are such a part of ours that the void you leave will be immeasurable, and will not ever be filled. I fear that once you're up there, because of time and distance, we won't see you again, and I can't even think about that right now.

I can't wait until we visit in June and I can give you a big hug. I want to hear all about how much money you've made/lost in the stock market, how the damn Democrats are ruining things, and what the Legion is serving for dinner on Friday night. You've got a date for June 27th, and don't be late.

I love you. Happy birthday.