November 22nd

Good Morning from St. Louis:

I want to spend a few moments introducing you to someone who has had a profound and lasting effect on my life. Apart from Jesus Christ, he is the most important man I have ever come to know. He is a man who has spent his life mindful of his responsibility to his God and it shows in everything that he does. He's not perfect; and he'd be the first one to tell you. But I dare say, that if I were to boast to be half the man he is, that would be sufficient for me.
He has been my counselor my entire life. He is a man who has taught me to keep short accounts of my life; to never let anything get in the way of my relationship with my God. He's taught me to learn from his mistakes: That the consequences of running from God will never go away. He taught me to always provide for our family even if it meant that I went without. He has taught me patience through tough circumstances; perserverence when it seemed impossible for one man to build an entire home by himself. He's taught me kindness toward others even when I don't think they deserve it; he taught me that family comes first. He taught me to respect women; to love my wife as Christ loves His bride. He has taught me to love music and to use the gifts that God has given me. He has been a constant encouragement and has spent his entire life sacrificing for my best interest.

He is great with kids: You kind of have to be when you were raised as one of twelve siblings. His children are far from perfect, and many times let him down. Yet, his love for them has never waivered or failed. He took his boys fishing; taught them how to shoot a gun;  how to shoot a basketball; how to throw a ball. He taught them how to grow a garden...and then how to weed it :) He taught his kids to take care of the things that God has given them.

Simply, he has been my example of Christ. I love him every day for it. He is turning 60 today, and I could'nt be there to say this to him in person. Your children love you more than we can express. Your boys especially thank you for being our example and taking the time to shepherd us to follow God's will.

Happy Birthday, Dad